Spearmint
Mentha spicata
Photographed by Mike Plagens along Coon Creek in the Sieraa Ancha., Arizona, USA. August 2009.
LEAVES: Paired leaves at each node are coarsely serrate on the margins
and emit intense spearmint oils when crushed.
FLOWERS: Spikes of small, closelypacked, white flowers at the tips of
the growing stems. Their are five petal lobes that are slightly unequal in
size/shape.
HERB: A perennial herb tending to form mats. Commonly less than
50 cm tall. The stems in cross-section are square.
RANGE: Widely cultivated around the World, generally in well watered
soil. Escaped from cultivation along many riparian streams where people have
long settled seaking permanent water and comforting shade.
FRUIT: Small capsules with usually four small seeds.
UNARMED.