Common Name:

General Information

Nepeta annua is an annual plant with erect to ascending stems that branch from the base; it can grow around 13 - 40cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, and is the source of an essential oil[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Asia - western Siberia, Mongolia, northern and western China, northwest India

Habitat

Steppes, on stony slopes and rocks; mountains in steppe and desert coenoses, stony and gravelly slopes, pebble-beds of mountain streams; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,000 metres[]. River terraces; at elevations around 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Nepeta species generally grow best in a sunny position and a well-drained soil. Many are found in poor soils in the wild, and have a bushier growth habit in more fertile soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used to treat arthritis[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the plant[]. The dried, aerial part of the plant yields 0.56% essential oil, which is pale yellow, very mobile, soluble in alcohol and with odour reminiscent of some species of the genus Thymus. It contains up to 55% thymol. The oil appears to be of little interest to the perfume industry, but it can be used as a source of thymol[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn, in situ if possible. Germination of spring sown seed can be erratic[]. The seed is best sown in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.