Description: This is a large group of well-known perennial
herbs, which are widely spread over the temperate parts of the world. Mentha
includes the Apple Mint, Curly Mint, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pineapple Mint,
Spearmint and Water or Bog Mint. Following are descriptions of each variety.
- Apple Mint (M. suaveolens) - This hardy perennial is a very robust
grower. Apple Mint has interesting light green leaves. They are somewhat hairy
on the upper surface and downy underneath, with serrated edges. They can grow up
to 3 feet high, but should be kept lower.
- Curly Mint (M. spicata variety crispii) - This plant is valued more
for its intricately curled, fringed leaves than for its fragrance. The foliage
is dark green and lightly splotched with a contrasting lighter green. They can
grow up to 2 feet high and are invasive. Chefs like Curly Mint for garnishes,
but prefer the pleasant flavor of Spearmint and Peppermint.
- Pennyroyal (M. pulegium) - This creeping Mint is used once in a while
as a ground cover in cool climates. It has many stems, which grow up to 12
inches high and are covered with small, round to oval, dark green leaves. In the
summer it produces bluish-lilac blossoms. Pennyroyal has an enjoyable lemony
aroma and is used to flavor meat puddings and fish entrees.
- Peppermint (M. piperita) - This spreading plant has a sharp,
penetrating yet pleasant, mint aroma. It grows 1 to 2 feet high, but can reach 3
feet when in bloom. The lance-shaped leaves are deeply notched when mature and
the flowers are usually purple.
- Pineapple Mint (M. suaveolens 'Variegata') - Pineapple Mint is a
variegated hybrid of Apple Mint with white or cream blotches on its leaves. It
does have a slight Pineapple scent, but the aroma isn't always detectable. This
Mint is good for garnishes because the thick leaves are slow to wilt.
- Spearmint (M. spicata) - This is considered one of the most popular
and versatile garden Mint. Spearmint has a fruity aroma and flavor and blends
well in many foods, including salads, sauces, teas and dips. This plant can
reach 2 to 3 feet in height when in bloom. It has bright green leaves and purple
flowers. Its toothed leaves lack stems, distinguishing this plant from
Peppermint.
- Water or Bog Mint (M. aquatica) - This aggressive Mint is great for
growing along the margins of water gardens, though care must be taken that it
does not become troublesome. The Bog Mint grows to a height of 2 or 3 feet. It
produces pairs of very fragrant, elliptic-shaped, serrated leaves that are
usually tinted with purple and shaded with even more purple on their undersides.
The leaves grow from reddish colored stems. In the summer, whorls of lilac
colored flowers grow at the stem tips. The leaves may be used to flavor salads
and teas.
