Catnip, catnep and hallocinogens

[dandysmom]

Following on the discussions in Monday's Daily, I found this interesting article; thought you all might enjoy it.

http://www.cat-world.com.au/Catnip.htm

[angieh]

That's very interesting Eileen. Thanks for posting that. I am awaiting germination atm!

[dandysmom]

Mine's up about 18" now; self-seeded from last year. Had to pull lots of it out of the tiny vegetable bed, still have lots and lots. Leia's a non reactor, she just eats a small leaf, never gets silly with it .....

[angieh]

I don't know about Kizzy yet!

[dandysmom]

I hope she likes it; it's so funny to watch them rolling and completely losing their dignity!

[dinahsmum]

Great article - thanks DM
The catnep I have recently purchased certainly affects Bentley who is immune to all the nepeta I have bought in the past. It was great watching him sniff, feint to go away, keel over totally, sniff again etc! :lol:
My nepeta is doing well now and has lots of blue flowers. The new stuff has a slightly bigger, 'plainer' leaf and no flowers yet. I'll keep you posted

btw - the guys manning the herb stall at the Garden Fair had the appearance of having tried every one for hallucinogenic effect! :)

[dinahsmum]

Comparethecatnips.com

(I suspect that will mean nothing to non-UK TV watchers. Have a look at this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en-GB&v=4Ust9YBlEfY&gl=GB) which is one of the better ads around.)

So
What I have always thought was catnip (nepeta), growing in my garden and ignored by both my cats - one catnip (toys etc) susceptible, one not

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC02413.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC02414.jpg


Catnep (from the beardie wierdies at the garden fair) I've put it under an old hanging basket to prevent it being loved to death. Ignore the white potentilla flowers which have muscled into the pic

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC02416.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC02415.jpg

[angieh]

I can see the difference in the leaf, DM. It will be interesting to see what the flowers look like.

Which sort is most like yours Eileen?

[CathyW]

ronnie is totally nuts on catnip. ive got some dried that i stock up their toys with.
but sir has lost most of their toys. probally under the sofa some where.

[dandysmom]

I can see the difference in the leaf, DM. It will be interesting to see what the flowers look like.

Which sort is most like yours Eileen?

Here's a sprig of it. and a closeup of a leaf. It won't be in bloom for some time.

http://www.catsey.com/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d117/dandysmom/Non%20Cat/DSCN0720.jpg%5B/IMG%5D
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d117/dandysmom/Non%20Cat/DSCN0720.jpg


http://www.catsey.com/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d117/dandysmom/Non%20Cat/DSCN0724.jpg%5B/IMG%5D
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d117/dandysmom/Non%20Cat/DSCN0724.jpg

[dandysmom]

DM, the flowers on your original catnip don't look at all like those on mine, which are a sort of pinkish white, The leaves on the catnep seem more like what I'm growing.

[pookyandjo]

im going to go and see if i can get a plant... will have a little pot plant of it and see if George and Harri like it...
I tried Tinky with cat nip toys numerous times but he never reacted...

[dinahsmum]

DM, the flowers on your original catnip don't look at all like those on mine, which are a sort of pinkish white, The leaves on the catnep seem more like what I'm growing.
I think you're right. I wouldn't be at all suprided if I get pink flowers on the 'nep'. Have always had blue flowers on what I've bought as catnip/nepeta though

[dandysmom]

I think you're right. I wouldn't be at all suprided if I get pink flowers on the 'nep'. Have always had blue flowers on what I've bought as catnip/nepeta though

I'll take a pic of mime when it blooms. It's possible there are different strains of it, and that some have more of the aromatic oils than others.