Wild Mint

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Detailed Information

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 stamen 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:

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.

More photos

• full size plant, about 18 inches tall

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

Comments

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