Catnip is a perennial that growm 2-3' tall.  It sends out pinkish purple spikes or white spikes which bloom in midsummer. Both stems and leaves are covered with a fine velvety hair.  Catnip is in the mint family, and in teas, catnip has a flavor that is less sweet than spearmint, and not as strong as peppermint.  In northern area, plant in full sun, in southern regions plant in partial shade.  Tea made from dried leaves or flowers is great for after dinner and is said to aid digestion or sip it before bedtime as a sleep inducer. The  herb can be dried and used in cat toys, or occasionally give fresh leaves to your cat as a treat. Do not give it to them more than twice a week, and only a leave or two at a time. Grows in zones 3-9.