Catnip Origins and Uses Partially True
“Catnip is native to Central Asia, eastern/ southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of China. This mint has been around for over 2,000 years and was brought to North America by European colonizers in the 18th century. Companion Plants: Plant in containers near eggplants, squash, and brassicas to repel aphids, squash bugs and flea bettles.”
Summary
Catnip is indeed native to Central Asia, eastern and southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of China, and it has been used for millennia, with European settlers introducing it to North America in the 18th century. However, there is no reliable evidence that planting catnip near eggplants, squash, or brassicas repels aphids, squash bugs, or flea beetles; in fact, some aphids are attracted to catnip.
Sources 60 searched
- Catnip - Learn About Nature
It has originated from the eastern and southern parts of Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and certain areas in China. It can also be seen abundantly in North America, New Zealand, and northern Europe.
- Companion Plants for Aphid Pest Management - PMC - NIH
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- The irritant receptor TRPA1 mediates the mosquito repellent effect of catnip - PMC
Indeed, not even all insects are repelled by catnip. The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), for example, uses Z,E-nepetalactone as a pheromone component,46 and green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) are attracted to this compound, perhaps because their larvae feed on aphids.47 Aphids are indeed also well-known pests on catnip.
- Catnip - Wikipedia
It is native to all of Central Asia including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirghistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan and also extends to western Siberia. Its native status in China is disputed as it also is in the Russian Far East, Nepal, Korea, and Japan.
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria) · iNaturalist
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China.
- Catnip repels insects. Scientists may have finally found out how
Catnip’s repellent effect on insects — and its euphoric effect on felines — has been documented for millennia. Studies have shown that catnip may be as effective as the widely used synthetic repellent diethyl-m-toluamide, or DEET (SN: 9/5/01).
- History of Catnip: Taking a Look at Its Past - Catster
The well-established reputation of this herb made it easy to be included on the list of travel items for cross-continental voyages. Catnip made its way to the Americas sometime in the 18th century.
- The Enchanting History of Catnip
As European settlers traveled across continents, catnip was introduced to North America in the 18th century, where it became a common ingredient in colonial remedies and even beer brewing.
- The Fascinating Origin of Catnip and Why Cats Love It So Much – Stink Free
In the 18th century, European settlers brought catnip with them to North America, where it quickly became popular as both a medicinal herb and, of course, a treat for cats.
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