Wild Mint
Mentha arvensis
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | High |
| Sun | Partial shade, shade |
| Pollinators | Bees, butterflies |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
6" × 1-3' |
| Flowering Season | June-September |
| Flower Color | White |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 5-10 °F |
| Leaf Description | Opposite, on square stems, lance shaped with serrated margins |
| Fruit | Oval nutlet (tiny, hard seed) |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 5000-9500 ft. |
| Description | Mentha arvensis is the native wild mint of the southwest, a lover of cool shaded creek edges and damp meadows. The pleasant fragrance and flavor make this a good edible, the flavor is slightly less sharp than spearmint but works for the same culinary purposes. This species can be grown throughout the state but will require shade and substantial moisture. In lower elevations this plant will tend to die back in the heat of summer, and regrow as temperatures cool. Because of the aggressive spreading nature of mint it can be best to keep it in pots or in contained garden beds. |
