Common Name:

General Information

Nepeta racemosa is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant that typically forms a spreading clump of many decumbent, ascending and upright stems around 20 - 50cm tall and 45cm wide[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a tea and a medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover. There are some named varieties, often under the name Nepeta mussinii[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

W. Asia - Turkey, the Caucasus, Iraq, Iran

Habitat

Rocky limestone and igneous slopes, screes, growing with Pinus sylvestris, field sides; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in an average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. The plant thrives in dry soils and is very tolerant of drought. It is somewhat intolerant of heat and humidity and appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates[].
Removing the flower spikes after initial flowering will promote continued blooming[].
The plant may agressively self-seed in optimum growing conditions[].
Although Nepeta cataria is the true catnip the scent of which drives house cats ecstatic, the aromatic leaves of this species are also attractive, albeit less enticing, to cats[, ]

Edible Uses

The leaves are used as spice for salads[, ]. They are also used as a flavouring in liquors and cognacs[]. (As Nepeta mussinii)

The leaves are used as a tea[, , ].

Medicinal

In Iran, the plants of this species, plus those of Nepeta bracteata and Nepeta menthoides, are used in phytotherapy under the name 'Ustukhuddus' as a febrifuge and sedative, antidepressant and anxiolytic[].
Under the name 'Gol-emoro', they are used as a carminative, disinfectant and stomachic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be used as a small scale ground cover[].
The flowers are a good source of nectar for bees, and yield a good honey[, ]. (As Nepeta mussinii)

Other Uses

The leaves yield greenish and greenish-yellow dyes for wool and silk[, ]. (As Nepeta mussinii)

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[].