Common Name:

General Information

Nepeta podostachys is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a woody rootstock; it produces many erect, branched stems around 30 - 50cm tall, occasionally up to 70cm[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of an essential oil.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Central to eastern Asia - Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwest India.

Habitat

Steppes, xeric shrubs, forbs; at elevations from 1,200 - 4,100 metres[]. Upper zone of wood and scrub belt; juniper groves, rosariums, in alpine belt in meadows and steppe coenoses, open stony and gravelly slopes[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 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[].
A polymorphous species[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally[]. No more information
A decoction of the whole plant is taken in order to promote kidney function[, ].

Other Uses

A highly valued essential oil is obtained from the plant[]. The essential oil has a pleasant aroma and may be used in the perfume industry, but the yield from the dried plant does not exceed 0.04%[].

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.
Division of clumps in the autumn or spring, when the plant is dormant or just coming into growth[].
Stem tip or softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer[].