Expert: Darlene K. Kittle - 7/2/2009

Question
Greetings from Norway.

I "adopted" a bonsai tree a couple of months back, which I managed to nurse back into health again after it had been left behind after a roommate whom moved out.

a couple a weeks ago now, suddenly a different kind of plant sprouted up beside the bonsai, and has overtaken it.
so I was wondering if you knew what kind of plant it might be.
My first thoughts was either a tomato plant, or a paprika plant, tho I don't seem to find any which matches the leaves nor stem of "my" plant.
it's grown pretty fast, tho I suppose all "youngling" do. it does smell kinda strange when you touch either the leaves or the stem. Sort of a strong smell.

plant info:
it's about 50 cm high now.
it's in a good sized pot, plenty of space to grow.
it's about 3 weeks old.
I water it every 2-3 days, city water. no clorine.
giving it plant nurish with the water every week.
I am sending you some pictures of it.

hopefully I won't have to ponder anymore of what it might be. either way, it's a pretty plant in it's own way. green and healthy.

regards,
newebie plant lover from Norway.

Answer
William,

If you were a cat you would love that strong smell and it would cause you to go a little goofy! The plant is Nepeta cataria, better known as Catnip. It sounds like you are doing a fine job raising it. Besides being a favorite of cats it is used sometimes as a tea for humans. You can get more info on it at Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepeta

Good luck with your new plant!

Darlene