Minnesota Wildflowers


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Mentha arvensis (Wild Mint)

Plant Info
Also known as: Field Mint
Genus:Mentha
Family:Lamiaceae (Mint)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, sun; moist soil, thickets, along streams
Bloom season:July - September
Plant height:6 to 24 inches
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: irregular tubular whorled

[photo of flower] A cluster of about 20 flowers surrounds each leaf axis for nearly the full length of the plant. Individual flowers are about 1/8 inch long and tubular. The upper lip is notched into 2 parts, the lower lip has 3 lobes. 4 long stamens protrude from the center. Flower color ranges from pink to pale lavender to white, with darker spots on the inside of the tube.

Leaves and stem: opposite simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are up to 2½ inches long and 1 inch wide, generally egg-shaped and tapering to a point at both ends. Leaves have serrated edges, are slightly hairy on the underside, and have short leaf stems. The square main stem is also covered in fine hairs

Notes:

Wild Mint, Northern Bugleweed, and American Water Horehound are all similar, with clusters of tubular flowers around the leaf axils, growing in the same type of habitat at the same time. American Water Horehound is most easily distinguished by its deeply lobed lower leaves; Northern Bugleweed by its hairless stem and leaves, and coarser leaf edges. Wild Mint flowers are usually pinkish while the other two species always have white flowers.

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More photos

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, July 2006

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Steve and Donna
on: 2008-08-14 12:08:15

Just identified our wild mint east of Brainerd, Thanks, can it be used like regular mint?

Posted by: K Chayka
on: 2008-08-14 14:27:14

Yes, wild mint is edible, though it might be slightly bitter compared to what you'd get at the grocery store. BTW, I love walking through the stuff. The aroma of crushed wild mint leaves is potent, but loverly.

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