CATNIP
Nepeta cataria
Plant Characteristics
Height:
1' - 4'
Stem:
Square
Leaves:
Serrated with minty odor Flower: White with purple dots
Flower:
5 petals, yellow with orange or red tinges
Bloom Time:
July to OctoberCatnip is easier to identify due to it’s distinct aroma. It is in the mint family and has been known to spread rapidly. Though catnip has been used as an herbal garden plant, it often escapes the garden and can take over native plants. This reduces biodiversity and is hard to remove from native areas.
Cut
Cut flower heads before they go to seed.
Spot Spray
Spot spray during growing season.
Cultural Plant Alternatives:
Prairie Wild Onion
This prairie plant grows well in sandy or gravelly soils. The bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked. They contain sulphur compounds that, when eaten on a regular basis, have shown improvements in blood cholesterol levels.
Prairie Turnip
Often a rare to find plant, it has deep cultural roots in the Dakota community. The roots were an important part of the vegetable diet, being eaten fresh or cooked after being peeled. They can also be dried and hung like garlic for later use.
