Catnip, also known as nepeta, is a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which is mainly found in Europe, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia. Catnip is a perennial herb with a height of about 50 to 70 cm. The stem of catnip is erect and quadrangular in shape, and the upper part of the main stem is multi-branched with a purplish-red tinge at the base. The leaves are opposite, the base leaves are stalked, pinnate and deeply lobed into 3 to 5 pieces, the lobes are linear, the leaf veins are indistinct, and the stems and leaves are covered with white hairs.
Catnip blooms, but the flowers are small, white or lilac spikes, and bloom from June to August. When ripe, catnip also grows small, nutty-like fruits, brown oval or oval-shaped, with a smooth surface, and the fruiting period is from July to September. Catnip does not have high requirements for soil, it should grow in sandy soil or deep loam, like cool, sunny, well-ventilated environment, and is not tolerant of heat and heat.
The whole plant of catnip has a fragrance, and it is mostly used as a potted plant for ornamentation, and can be planted with flowering plants in courtyards and parks, which has a certain ornamentality. In addition to this, catnip gets its name because it contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which stimulates the cat's pheromone receptors and causes the cat to produce some special behaviors, such as excitement, pleasure, and other feelings. As a result, catnip has a strong attraction to cats, and cats will immediately get excited and approach it as soon as they come into contact with it.
The above information is for reference only, for more information related to catnip, it is recommended to consult relevant books or consult a professional such as a botanist.