The genus name, from Latin nepeta (“catnip”), is reportedly in reference to Nepete, an ancient Etruscan city.

The tubular flowers can be lavender, blue, white, pink, or lilac, and spotted with tiny lavender-purple dots.

The flowers have 4 hairless stamens that are nearly parallel, and they ascend under the upper lip of the corolla.

They can be drought tolerant – water conserving, often deer repellent, with long bloom periods from late spring to autumn.

Some species also have repellent properties to insect pests, including aphids and squash bugs, when planted in a garden.