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|image_caption=Nepeta cataria
|image_caption=Nepeta cataria
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'''''Nepeta''''' is a [[genus]] of about 250 [[species]] of [[flowering plant]]s in the family [[Lamiaceae]]. The members of this group are known as '''catnip''' or '''catmint''' because of their effect on [[cat]]s—nepeta pleasantly stimulates cats' [[Pheromone|pheromonic]] receptors, typically resulting in temporary [[Euphoria (emotion)|euphoria]]. According to traditional herb medicine, catnip tends to have a sedative effect on humans.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.cat-world.com.au/Catnip.htm | title = All About Catnip | work = Cat-World | accessdate = March 14, 2009}}</ref>
'''''Nepeta''''' is a [[genus]] of about 250 [[species]] of [[flowering plant]]s in the family [[Lamiaceae]]. The members of this group are known as '''catnip''' or '''catmint''' because of their effect on [[cat]]s—nepeta pleasantly stimulates cats' [[Pheromone|pheromonic]] receptors, typically resulting in temporary [[Euphoria (emotion)|euphoria]]. According to traditional herb medicine, catnip tends to have a sedative effect on humans.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.cat-world.com.au/Catnip.htm | title = All About Catnip | work = Cat-World | accessdate = March 14, 2009}}</ref>
The genus is native to [[Europe]], [[Asia]], and [[Africa]]. It is now also common in [[North America]].<ref>{{cite book | title = Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia | volume = Vol. 5 | isbn = 0-8343-0051-6 | author = Leon L. Bram, editorial director, Robert S. Phillips, editor-in-chief, Norma H. Dickey, special projects editor-in-chief. | year = 1983 | publisher = Funk & Wagnalls | location = New York}}</ref> Most of the species are [[herbaceous]] [[perennial plant]]s, but some are [[annual plant|annual]]s. They have sturdy stems with opposite heart-shaped, green to grayish-green leaves. The [[flower]]s are white, blue, pink or lilac and occur in several clusters toward the tip of the stems. The flowers are tubular and spotted with tiny purple dots.
The genus is native to [[Europe]], [[Asia]], and [[Africa]]. It is now also common in [[North America]].<ref>{{cite book | title = Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia | volume = Vol. 5 | isbn = 0-8343-0051-6 | author = Leon L. Bram, editorial director, Robert S. Phillips, editor-in-chief, Norma H. Dickey, special projects editor-in-chief. | year = 1983 | publisher = Funk & Wagnalls | location = New York}}</ref> Most of the species are [[herbaceous]] [[perennial plant]]s, but some are [[annual plant|annual]]s. They have sturdy stems with opposite heart-shaped, green to grayish-green leaves. The [[flower]]s are white, blue, pink or lilac and occur in several clusters toward the tip of the stems. The flowers are tubular and spotted with tiny purple dots.
==Species==
==Species==
[[Image:Nepeta curviflora.jpg|thumb|''Nepeta curviflora'' flowers]]
[[Image:Nepeta curviflora.jpg|thumb|''Nepeta curviflora'' flowers]]
*''[[Nepeta cataria]]'' (Catnip, True Catnip, Catmint or Field Balm) is a 50–100 cm tall perennial [[herb]] resembling [[Mentha|mint]] in appearance, with greyish-green leaves; the [[flower]]s are white, finely spotted with purple. It has been introduced to many countries, including the [[United States]]. A [[lemon]]-scented [[cultivar]], ''N. cataria'' 'Citriodora', looks exactly like true catnip but has the scent of lemons and can be used like [[Lemon balm]].
*''[[Nepeta cataria]]'' (Catnip, True Catnip, Catmint or Field Balm) is a 50–100 cm tall perennial [[herb]] resembling [[Mentha|mint]] in appearance, with greyish-green leaves; the [[flower]]s are white, finely spotted with purple. It has been introduced to many countries, including the [[United States]]. A [[lemon]]-scented [[cultivar]], ''N. cataria'' 'Citriodora', looks exactly like true catnip but has the scent of lemons and can be used like [[Lemon balm]].
*''[[Nepeta grandiflora]]'' (Giant Catmint or Caucasus Catmint) is lusher than true catnip and has dark green leaves and dark blue, almost purple flowers.
*''[[Nepeta grandiflora]]'' (Giant Catmint or Caucasus Catmint) is lusher than true catnip and has dark green leaves and dark blue, almost purple flowers.