What does a cat mint plant look like?
The soft gray-green foliage and billowy clusters of lavender-blue flowers are like a cool breeze on a hot day. With variations in both flower and foliage color, height, bloom time and growing conditions, these multipurpose plants can be used in almost any area of the garden.
Is cat mint edible?
Despite being known for its effects on cats, cats aren’t the only ones who can enjoy catmint. This plant is edible for humans and it even has some medicinal benefits. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make tea. Alternatively, you can also eat the leaves.
Is cat mint poisonous?
Both catnip and catmint are types of mint that are safe to cats. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten. The essential oils specific to garden mint have also been known to relax the esophageal valve, making vomiting more likely in a cat who may already be ill.
What can you do with cat mint?
Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. Harvest leaves as flowers begin to bloom, cutting the top leaves, stems, and flowers if desired. Spread out to dry in a cool, ventilated area and store the dried herb in an airtight container or bag to preserve its potency.
How do I use cat mint?
Is catnip the same as cat mint?
Both are part of the mint family and both belong to the Nepeta genus – catnip is Nepeta cataria and catmint is Nepeta mussinii. Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds.
How tall does catmint grow?
Catmint
| genus name | Nepeta |
|---|---|
| light | Part Sun Sun |
| plant type | Perennial |
| height | 6 to 12 inches 1 to 3 feet 3 to 8 feet |
| width | 12 inches to 36 inches |
Do cats smell mint?
More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. This may be for good reason, as ingesting mint and its relatives can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
Why are cats attracted to mint?
Peppermint is probably the minty fragrance you’re most familiar with. Some kitties dislike the smell and with good reason: peppermint contains salicylate, a chemical also found in aspirin and poisonous to cats. Other cats are attracted to peppermint because it contains compounds similar to nepetalactone.