Species Detail Forb

		Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants Mentha x piperita - peppermint Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub Family: Lamiaceae


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Forb Plant Description

Origin: Introduced Life Cycle: Perennial
General Desc: Herbaceous perennial 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. Stem is square, characteristic of plants in the mint family. Leaves are very aromatic when crushed. Leaves and stems are covered in downy hairs. Plant is usually sterile.
Identification notes: Leaf blades egg-shaped to lance-shaped, generally peppermint- or spearmint-scented; flower cluster generally head-like, clustered at distal 3 to 5 nodes.
Height: 1 to 3 feet

Habitat

Habitat Description: Shaded riparian areas.
Plant Communities: Riparian
Elevation: Below 9500 feet

Flower Characteristics

Color: Purple or reddish-purple Shape: Irregular in elongated clusters Tubular: Y Flowering Period: May - Sep
Description: The flowers are purple, less than 1/2 inch long, with a four-lobed corolla. They are produced in whorls around the stem and are largely concealed within the reddish-lilac corollas.

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: The leaves are from 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, dark green with reddish veins, with an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The leaves and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. Leaves contain menthol and are very aromatic.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruit Notes: As a hybrid, the plant is usually sterile, producing no seeds and reproducing only vegetatively, spreading by rhizomes.


	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