(Catnip)
Nepeta cataria, Hewlett Gulch Trail, Larimer Co. 7936
Nepeta cataria, Hewlett Gulch Trail, Larimer Co. 7948
Nepeta cataria, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 1982
Nepeta cataria, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 1984
Nepeta cataria, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 1993
Nepeta cataria, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 1997
| Scientific Name | Nepeta cataria | USDA PLANTS Symbol | NECA2 |
| Common Name | Catnip | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 32623 |
| Family | Lamiaceae (Mint) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (3500 to 8500 ft.); rocky, gravelly, limestone soils on bluffs, open woodlands, meadows, pastures, fence rows and disturbed areas. Plant: Erect perennial 12 to 40 inches tall with occasional branches; 4-angled light green stems with finely pubescent hairs. Leaves: Opposite, deltate-ovate 1 to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide; edges are crenate; upper surface very finely pubescent with clearly visible network of veins; on petioles 1/4 to 2 inches long. Inflorescence: Dense whorls of flowers on spike-like racemes about1 to 6 inches long; each flower about 1/3-inch long with tubular, 2-lipped whitish corolla, rarely light blue-ish; small upper lip with two rounded lobes; large 3-lobed lower lip with pink or purple dots; light green, finely pubescent calyx with 5 triangular teeth. Bloom Period: July to September. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and Illinois Wildflowers. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Introduced |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains