Catnip

Plant Overview

Catnip is a member of the mint family and is non-native to Colorado, however the plant has been widely introduced to many parts of the United States (Colorado State University Extension n.d.). Catnip (like many other mint plants) has a tendency to spread quickly once planted. It is named due to its love by, and chemical effect on cats. The chemical compound within it, Nepetalactone, is largely why cats have such a response to the plant. While loved by cats, the plant is said to have been used as an herbal remedy for humans to help with a wide range of issues such as digestion and poor sleep (Staughton 2024).

About This Herb

Florence Martin was known to be a ‘cat lady’ and one of the many pieces of evidence left behind of this is the catnip still growing around the property today. She likely planted the catnip to use for her cats and possibly even as an herbal remedy herself. There isn’t a ton of catnip on the site, but there is a small plant within the Gamble Oak near the house’s foundation. The Gamble Oak may be preventing the catnip from growing and spreading further.