This mint is a native perennial. The erect, square stem, up to 2 feet tall, holds opposite,lance-shaped leaves with prominent veins and toothed margins. Small, lavender tube flowers with prominent protruding stamens are clustered around the upper leaf axils (A,B). It is not easy to positively differentiate this native species from hybrids and other commercial varieties. Look for the lavender flower clusters and smell the aroma of the crushed leaves.
Grows in damp and wet places, flowering from June through September. Uncommon in moist places at Fontenelle Forest. It has not been seen at Neale Woods.
The leaves contain aromatic oils. They are used for flavoring jellies and beverages. Local Native Americans drank field mint steeped in water as a carminative (look it up!) but also as a tea for its aromatic taste. Also known as Wild Mint.
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