Catnip (Nepeta cataria): white Minnesota wildflowers

Catnip

Plant Info
Also known as:	Cat mint
Scientific name:	Nepeta cataria
Family:	Mint (Lamiaceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	Europe
Habitat:	sun or shade; fields, deciduous woods, along roads
Bloom season:	summer, fall
Plant height:	1 to 4 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park Rice Creek Trail Corridor

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Flower:: Thick spike-like clusters 2 to 4 inches long of ½-inch tubular flowers. The upper lip of individual flowers has 2 tiny lobes. The lower lip fans out with a wide middle lobe with several notches and 2 small side lobes. The color is usually white, sometimes pale pink or lavender, with purple dots on the inside the lower lip. One plant usually has several spikes.
Leaves and stem:: Leaves are generally heart-shaped or oval with a pointed or rounded tip, 1 to 4 inches long and up to 2 inches wide on short stems. The edges have rounded teeth. The leaves are hairy, as is the main stem. Like all members of the Mint family, attachment is opposite and the main stem is square.
Notes:: Catnip can be quite aggressive. Many years ago before I knew better, I planted some at home in a flower box as a treat for my cats. It spread to all parts of my yard within a few years. I may never be rid of it. It doesn't seem particular about where it grows. I've seen it growing in full sun to mostly shade, dry or moist conditions.

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2006 and June 2007

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?