Raceme catnip (Nepeta racemosa, Encycl. 1: 711 (1785))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 1: 711 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nepeta

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Türkiye to NW. Iran

Description

Raceme catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta racemosa, is a distinguished herb that forms part of the Lamiaceae family. This delightful plant, first described in 1785 by the botanist Lam., showcases the rich botanical diversity thriving in Eurasian regions. Specifically, it is naturally distributed from Eastern Türkiye to Northwestern Iran, where it contributes to the local flora with its unique characteristics.

Nepeta racemosa is revered for its ornamental value and is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers seeking to add a touch of elegance to their green spaces. It features a particularly attractive raceme – a type of inflorescence characterized by its elongated cluster of flowers along the central stem – which gives the plant its common name, raceme catnip.

The raceme catnip thrives in well-drained soils and sunny locations, where it can exhibit its full potential. The plant’s aromatic leaves, which are common to the Lamiaceae family, contribute to its popularity, not only for their pleasing scent but also for their use in culinary and medicinal applications. The flowers, often a shade of blue or lavender, bloom profusely, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting the local ecosystem.

In cultivation, Nepeta racemosa is prized for its hardiness and ease of care. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its tolerance to drought and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions further enhance its suitability for various landscaping projects.

Overall, raceme catnip is a plant that brings beauty, fragrance, and ecological benefits to any garden. The historical context of its discovery, documented in the 18th-century Encyclopédie, underscores its longstanding significance within the botanical community. Today, it continues to be celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robust adaptability and integral role in biodiverse environments.

Common Names

Eng: raceme catnip
Deu: traubige katzenminze
Swe: bergnepeta, kantnepeta
Dan: ægte blåkant
Nld: blauw kattenkruid
En: Raceme catnip, Mussin’s Catmint, Persian Catmint
Af: Kruipende kattekrui
Cs: Šanta hroznovitá
Da: Ægte blåkant
Nl: Blauw kattenkruid
Fi: Katinminttu
Fr: Népéta de Mussin
De: Traubige Katzenminze, Trauben-Katzenminze, Mussins Katzenminze
Fa: پونه‌سای البرزی
Sk: Kocúrnik Mussiniho
Sv: Bergnepeta, Kantnepeta

Synonyms

• Nepeta grandiflora var. racemosa ((Lam.) Kusn.)
• Glechoma racemosa ((Lam.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2022 by Sappy Valentine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Robin N (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Yoann Lussier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by huaux joelle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Arnaud Pansart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Figueras Tudela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Tordoir Quirine (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 8, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Romy Koe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2022 by Doris ter Hennepe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Jan Banasiak (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:452683-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341497)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nepeta racemosa Lam.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth