
| Also known as: | Field Mint |
|---|---|
| Scientific name: | Mentha arvensis |
| Family: | Mint (Lamiaceae) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | sun to part shade; moist soil, thickets, along streams |
| Bloom season: | summer |
| Plant height: | 6 to 24 inches |
| USDA PLANTS database: | Minnesota county distribution map |
| Spotted in Ramsey County at: |
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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 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
Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, July 2006
Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?
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.
on: 2008-08-14 12:08:15
Just identified our wild mint east of Brainerd, Thanks, can it be used like regular mint?