Scientific Family
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha sylvestris, Mentha viridis
Other common names
bush mint (spearmint)
(Spanish: hierbabuena
yerba buena)
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Mentha arvensis
Height
12 to 48 inches
Riparian
Yes
Perennial rhizomatous forb; herbage spearmint scented; leaves opposite, ovate, serrated, 3/4 to 2 inches long; stems often purplish; flowers pale purple, in dense spikes at ends of branches.
Leaves oblong, hairless (occasionally branched-hairy underneath), spearmint-scented. Flowers in terminal spikes distinguishes this species from M. arvensis.
Habitat
Found along streams in wet soils.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
0
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
Spikes slender, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches long in fruit.
Flower color
Pale lavender, light purple or pink
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaf blades ovate, serrate and subsessile, 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long, hairless or sparingly covered with coarse hairs.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Smooth.
Fruit type
Nutlet
Fruit color
Light purple