Description
Schizonepeta tenuifolia | Japanese Catnip
Schizonepeta, known as Japanese Catnip and Jing Jie (in Chinese), is an aromatic annual medicinal herb native to China. Grows 2-4 feet in height with long spikes of delicate, lavender colored blooms.
The aerial parts of the plant are used in Chinese medicine to stop excessive bleeding, ease symptoms of the common cold, treat nettle rash and promote sweating. Additionally, its green buds are highly regarded as pediatric sedatives.
Japanese Catnip is easily recognizable, but keep in mind not to mix it up with the true catnips of the genus Nepeta, which is known to have excitatory and hallucinogenic effects on two-thirds of cats.
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 2-4 ft
Mature width: 12 inches
Hardiness zones: 4-9
