Nepeta atarica has a square, hairy stalk with typically green/grey coloured heart shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Flowers grow in spikes. Nepeta cataria is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in gardens. It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies.
The plant is drought tolerant and deer resistant. It can be a repellant for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Nepeta catarica is a mosquito and fly repellent.