Plants That Look Like Catnip But Aren’t

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family that is known for its intoxicating effects on cats. Its jagged, aromatic gray-green foliage and unremarkable white flowers make it easy to spot in the garden However, there are a couple other common garden plants that closely resemble catnip in appearance Don’t let looks deceive you – learn how to distinguish catnip from its lookalike relatives.

Catmint

Catmint (Nepeta) is the plant most frequently confused with catnip due to the close botanical relationship between the two. There are over 250 Nepeta species most native to Europe and Asia. The ones typically grown in gardens are hybrids derived from Nepeta x faassenii.

Like catnip, catmint has fragrant, gray-green leaves with toothed edges. It grows in bushy mounds 12-18 inches tall and wide. Tiny lavender-blue flowers bloom on upright spikes from late spring until frost. The biggest difference between catnip and catmint is in the flowers – catnip has small whitish blooms while catmint has showy blue blossoms.

While catnip and catmint both contain nepetalactone, the chemical that induces a euphoric response in cats, catmint contains much lower levels. So felines are typically more attracted to catnip over catmint. In the garden, catmint is the more ornamental choice with its pretty purple flower spikes. It works well in perennial borders and mixed containers. Catnip can be invasive so it’s better suited to an out-of-the-way spot.

Russian Sage

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is an ornamental perennial grown for its airy display of silvery foliage and lavender-blue flower spikes. When not in bloom, its deeply cut, silvery leaves look similar to catnip leaves in shape. However, Russian sage lacks the distinctive serrations around the leaf edges that both catnip and catmint possess.

This plant also has a more upright, vase-shaped habit compared to the bushy mounds formed by catnip and catmint. Russian sage reaches 3-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide within a couple seasons. Tiny blue flowers cover long panicles above the foliage in mid to late summer. The flowers have a nice fragrance, but certainly not the funky, minty smell exuded by catnip when its leaves are crushed.

In the garden, use Russian sage as a backdrop plant or thriller in containers. Give it full sun and well-drained soil. Russian sage is hardy in zones 5-10 and tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils. Prune plants back in late winter to control size and encourage new growth. Unlike catnip and catmint, Russian sage is of no interest to cats!

How to Tell the Difference

Here are a few key ways to distinguish catnip from its doppelgangers:

• Flowers – Catnip has small white flower spikes while catmint and Russian sage both bloom spikes of blue flowers.

• Foliage – Catnip and catmint leaves are jagged with tooth-like edges. Russian sage leaves lack these serrations.

• Scent – Crush a leaf to check the scent. Catnip and catmint will smell minty. Russian sage gives off a milder, sweeter aroma.

• Habit – Catnip and catmint form bushy mounds under 3 feet tall. Russian sage is a much larger, upright plant reaching 5 feet.

• Cats – Wave a sprig under your feline’s nose. They’ll react strongly to catnip, mildly to catmint, and could care less about Russian sage!

How to Grow Catnip

If you want the real deal for your cats to enjoy, you’ll need to grow true catnip (Nepeta cataria). Look for it alongside other herb plants. Choose a spot in full sun with average, well-drained soil. Catnip will readily reseed itself, sometimes aggressively. Cut back flower stems after bloom to curtail self-sowing.

Catnip is very drought tolerant once established. In fact, too much water or fertilizer can cause stunted growth. This tough perennial is hardy in zones 3-9. Catnip rarely suffers from pests or diseases, with the exception of spider mites in very hot, dry conditions. Avoid wetting the foliage to help deter mites.

Using Catnip and Its Lookalikes in the Garden

Here are some uses for catnip and plants that resemble it:

• Place catnip in an out-of-the-way spot for cats to nibble. Be prepared for them to nibble it to the ground!

• Plant catmint as a colorful groundcover or border edging in full sun areas.

• Use Russian sage as a backdrop for shorter perennials and annuals in a sunny border.

• Include catmint in pollinator gardens and mixed containers – bees and butterflies love it!

• Snip sprigs of catnip to stuff in cat toys or form dried bundles to hang around the house.

• Cut Russian sage flowers for fresh arrangements and dried wreaths – they retain color well.

• Prune catnip and catmint in midsummer to refresh growth and promote repeat blooming.

The Takeaway

Catnip may hold a special allure for felines, but when it comes to ornamental appeal, catmint and Russian sage are both better landscape choices. Getting to know the key differences between these plants will ensure you end up with the look and growing habits you want in your garden beds and containers. And your neighborhood cats probably won’t complain as long as you tuck in a little catnip just for them!