Nepeta

Chunks of information

• "Nepeta cataria is mostly used as a recreational drug for pet cats' enjoyment. Roughly 50% of cats will be affected by the plant, whether it is growing in the wild or harvested and dried. Approximately two hours after an exposure, the feline will be sensitive to another dose. The common behaviors that are observed are: rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, drooling, sleepiness, anxiety, or consuming much of the plant. The plant terpenoid nepetalactone is the main chemical constituent of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria and acts as a feline attractant. This chemical enters the feline's nose, and produces effects on the cat." - Wikipedia
• My Nepeta plant is often visited by cats and they do show this type of behavior.

Mosquito repellant

According to scientific research "nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents."

Other plants that you may have in your garden and that help against mosquitoes are Mentha, Calendula, Rosemary and Lemon grass.

Gallery

• 
• 

  Seeds of Nepeta mussinii

See also

• Gardening courses
• Knowledge base:Gardening

External links

• Nepeta Wikipedia