Are catnip and catmint the same?

While both catnip and catmint are members of the same genus, *Nepeta*, they are not the same plant.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the more well-known of the two. It is the species that most commonly evokes the strong psychoactive response in cats.

Catmint is a broader term that refers to other species of *Nepeta*, like *Nepeta mussinii* or *Nepeta faassenii*. These catmints are often used as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive flowers and pleasant aroma.

While some catmints contain the same active compound (nepetalactone) as catnip, they do not always have the same potent effect on cats.

Here's a breakdown:

* Catnip: Specific species (*Nepeta cataria*), known for its strong effect on cats.

* Catmint: General term for various species of *Nepeta*, including ornamental varieties, with varying effects on cats.

So, while they're related, they're not identical. Catnip is a specific type of catmint, but not all catmints are catnip.