Species Detail Forb

Flower spike Lynx Creek below Highlands Center - Sue Smith		Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants Mentha spicata - spearmint Synonyms: Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha sylvestris, Mentha viridis Other Common Names: bush mint (spearmint), (Spanish: hierbabuena, yerba buena) Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub Family: Lamiaceae
Flower spike Lynx Creek below Highlands Center - Sue Smith


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Flower spike Lynx Creek below Highlands Center Sue Smith	Leaves Lynx Creek below Highlands Center Sue Smith	Plant - summer Lynx Creek below Highlands Center Sue Smith

Forb Plant Description

Origin: Introduced Life Cycle: Perennial Similar Species: Mentha arvensis
General Desc: 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.
Identification notes: Leaves oblong, hairless (occasionally branched-hairy underneath), spearmint-scented. Flowers in terminal spikes distinguishes this species from M. arvensis.
Height: 12 to 48 inches

Habitat

Habitat Description: Found along streams in wet soils.
Plant Communities: Riparian
Elevation: Below 7000 feet

Flower Characteristics

Color: Pale lavender, light purple or pink Shape: Regular in elongated clusters Tubular: Y Flowering Period: Jul - Sep
Description: Spikes slender, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches long in fruit.

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaf Color: Green Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Shape: Round or oval Leaf Margin: Toothed Leaf Attachment: Opposite Leaves Clasp: N
Hairs: Leaves and stems Spines: N
Leaf Description: Leaf blades ovate, serrate and subsessile, 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long, hairless or sparingly covered with coarse hairs.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruit Color: Light purple
Fruit Type: Nutlet
Fruit Notes: Smooth.


	Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr #C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590	Version 8.0 http://cales.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022 Content Questions/Comments: Email Matt Halldorson Legal Disclaimer