Bukhara Cattleman

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Bukhara cattleman (lat. Nepeta bucharica) - a flowering plant; a representative of the Kotovnik genus, belonging to the Yasnotkovye family. Found naturally in Asian countries. Typical habitats are meadows, stream banks and islets near waterfalls. Used in gardening, cooking and medicinal purposes. The people call the plant a kitten, lemon catnip, magpie, shandra, catnip.

Characteristics of culture

Bukhara catnip is represented by perennial herbaceous plants, not exceeding 80-90 cm in height. It is characterized by a thickened, woody root, which, closer to the stem, transforms into a multi-headed coarse-fibrous rhizome covered with scale-like brown foliage.

Stems are most often straight, but they can also be ascending. The lower stem foliage is wide, ovate, pointed or, conversely, obtuse, jagged along the edge. The base of the lower stem foliage is heart-shaped. The upper stem foliage is narrow, sharp at the tips.

The flowers are small, purple green teles, covered with curly hairs over the entire surface, collected in false whorled inflorescences. The fruits are represented by elongated elliptical nuts, bearing small numerous seeds. The flowering of Bukhara catnip occurs in early to mid-July and continues until the onset of frost.

Growing features

As already mentioned, Bukhara catnip is not a capricious culture. It can be safely planted even in areas with poor soil. But in order to achieve active flowering, it is advisable to grow the species in question in well-lit areas with nutritious, moderately moist, loose soil. It is not recommended to plant a crop in highly shaded areas, where they will stagnate, stretch and bloom poorly. Bukhara cattle is a perennial, in one place it can be grown for up to 5 years, after which division and transplantation to a new place is required.

Caring for the Bukhara catnip is very simple. It does not need to be watered too often, as needed, it does not like a lot of moisture, but it is also difficult to endure severe drought. Only one feeding in early spring is enough per season. For these purposes, organic fertilizers will do, for example, rotted humus and a complex of mineral fertilizers. Pruning around mid to late July is recommended to extend the flowering period.

Bukhara catnip is propagated most often by dividing the bush, but the seed method and cuttings are also acceptable. The division of the bush is carried out by means of a shovel and a knife. The mother plant is dug up, shaken off the ground and divided into several parts with a knife. Usually a 4-5 year old plant is divided into 2-3 parts. Each section should have a well-developed root system and 2-3 shoots. After dividing, the sections are treated with crushed coal and planted in a permanent place.

Interesting facts about the plant

One of the interesting features of the Bukhara catnip, and other representatives of the genus, is that cats love this plant very much. It attracts animals with its aroma. Having eaten it, they experience a feeling of euphoria, namely, they roll on the floor, purr, shake their heads and perform other unusual actions for 10-15 minutes.

The second and very important property of the Bukhara catnip is its numerous medicinal properties, it is not for nothing that the people call it a magpie. He is subject to the treatment of bronchitis, severe cough, headaches, depression and some skin diseases. For these purposes, folk healers use decoctions and infusions of the aerial part of the plant.

Also, the Bukhara catnip has won recognition among chefs all over the world. It is prized for its pleasant lemon scent. Most often, the herb is used to marinate fish and seafood, and is also used as a seasoning for meat and vegetable dishes. And the Bukhara catnip is also included in the composition of medicinal teas, thanks to which the drink acquires a pleasant lemon scent.

Using a catnip in the garden

It would seem such a simple plant, but it is appreciated by the gardeners of our country. Together with other plants, it transforms garden areas. And the best part is that it does not require any special care. The Bukhara catnip gets along well in rock gardens, mixborders, flower beds, borders, rabatki and rockeries. The plant goes especially well with tansy, geranium, phlox.