Nepeta cataria L.

Densely hairy perennial, with stems erect or nearly so, to c. 1 m tall. Petioles to 3 cm long. Lamina 4–6 × 3–4 cm, ovate or triangular-ovate, often grey-tomentose, deeply serrate or crenate-serrate; base cordate or subcordate; apex mucronate; upper cauline lvs smaller. Infl. terminal, dense, spike-like, with lower verticels distant. Calyx 6–7 mm long, tomentose outside on nerves; teeth linear-subulate, often purplish tipped. Corolla usually 7–10 mm long to apex of upper lip, white with purplish dots on lower lip; tube somewhat curved, not exceeding calyx, tomentose outside; limb tomentose outside; upper lip with 2 rounded lobes. Anthers usually purplish, sometimes green. Style white or pale mauve. Nutlets c. 1.5 mm long, broad-oblong, dark brown, faintly ridged.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Dec.–May.