Nepeta cataria

Native to Europe and Asia, it is an aromatic herbaceous perennial in the mint family. Upright branching stems carry dense clusters of small white flowers marked with pinkish-purple spots. The blooms have the two-lipped shape characteristic of many mint relatives. Its scented foliage attracts many cats. The essential oil contains nepetalactone, which repels mosquitoes. The plant dies back seasonally and regrows from its perennial base. Photographed in Colombia.