Herb of Nepeta cataria L., Labiatae. Habit. Europe, Asia; naturalized in U.S. Constit. Volatile oil, nepetalactone, q.v., nepetalic acid and related compds, tannin: McElvain, Eisenbraun, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 77, 1599 (1955). Its odor is very attractive to all members of the cat family.
Aromatic.