Mentha x piperita, a
30-90cm tall perennial herb originating in Europe, used to be
cultivated but escaped broadly to grow wild. Four-ridged stems are
erect, with rhizomes well branching and extending sideways. The
whole is glabrate and becomes significantly fragrant if rubbed.
Leaves are opposite; oblong, with short petioles, crepe pattern,
pointed tips, and margins with sharp serrations. Stem tips emerge
5-8cm long and 1.2-8cm wide raceme-like verticillasters; Flowers are
bilabiate, cleft in four, and light purple. Bloom time:
July-September. |