Nepeta

摘要

Known as catnip or catmint, Nepeta is a particularly versatile genus that is at home in most habitats, from cool damp spots in the garden to hot, dry rockeries.The genus consists of 250 species and is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is native toEurope, Asia and Africa. In North America, where it was introduced, it has become a common weed. Nepeta's chief attraction in a garden setting is its spikes of flowers, which can be white, blue, purple and occasionally yellow. They often last over a longflowering period during the summer. The plant has small, lanceolate leaves and, where it forms clumps, provides an attractive backdrop of grey-blue. Some varieties look very like lavender and can be used as a substitute in areas where lavender is unlikely to thrive. A common use for Nepeta is as an underplant-ing scheme for roses because it hides the knobbly stems of tall roses while complementing the rose flowers.