Nepeta's a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The members of this group are known as catnip or catmint because of their famous effect on cats—nepeta pleasantly stimulates cats' pheromonic receptors, typically resulting in temporary euphoria. It can also induce mild euphoria in humans. The genus's native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It's now also common in North America. Most of the species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are annuals. They've s… (More on Nepeta)