Spearmint
Other Common Names: Mint Scientific Name: Mentha spicata Alternate Non-native Species: Native to Alabama: No, non-invasive |
Wikimedia |
Learn more about…
Ecological Benefits |
This plant provides food for: | |
Butterflies | Other Pollinators |
Maintenance Notes | ||
|
|
|
|
Average watering: water two times per week during the summer and once per week during the rest of the year. |
Habitat Requirements | |||
This plant prefers: | |||
Full Sun Part Sun/ Shade |
Average Watering
|
Loamy or Moist Soil |
|
Leaf, Flower & Seed Identification | |||||
LEAF DESCRIPTION |
Wikimedia
Stefan Lefnaer Click on image to enlarge it |
||||
Leaf Characteristics Chart (PDF) | |||||
Shape: Lanceolate or Ovate |
Margin: Serrate |
Arrangement: Opposite |
Form: Simple |
||
Description: | |||||
Leaves are dark green up to 3 inches long and less than 1 inch wide, smooth/no hair, strong spearmint scent and taste, wrinkled appearance because of the indentations along veins; leaves grow on square stems (mint family characteristic)
|
FLOWER DESCRIPTION |
North Carolina Extension Gardener Toolbox
Jacinta Lluch Valero Click on image to enlarge it |
||
Flower Shape Chart (JPG) | |||
Color: Lilac, pink, white |
Shape:
Tubular |
Bloom Months: Jul – Aug |
|
Description: | |||
Dense clusters of small whorled flowers on spike-like inflorescences about 1-6 inches long
|
SEED DESCRIPTION |
Go Botany Native Plant Trust
James Lindsey Click on image to enlarge it |
||
Type: Fruit – Dry Seed Pod |
Description: The fruit is dry but does not split open when ripe and generally contains 4 nutlets that have a rounded tip |
||
Plant spreads by: | |||
Seeds and Rhizomes/ Tubers/ Roots & Shoots Can spread aggressively, best to contain in pot or separate bed from other plants |
|||
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
Quick Fact Sheet (Condensed Species Info) |
QR Code (Links to this Webpage) |
||
Plant ID Sign (Text Only): Ready as-is PDF |
Plant ID Sign (Text Only): Editable Word Doc |
||
Plant ID Sign (With Picture): Ready as-is PDF |
Plant ID Sign (With Picture): Editable Word Doc |
||
INFORMATION SOURCES FOR THIS PLANT