FIELD MINT, Mentha arvensis L. 1, upper part of plant; 2, lower part of plant; 3, seed. Perennial, reproducing by seeds and rhizomes, aromatic. Stems square, usually branching, up to 2-1/2 feet (75 cm) tall; barbed hairs on angles and sometimes on sides of stem. Leaves opposite, with petioles, strongly scented, pinnately veined, narrow to oval, with small teeth on margins and with minute glandular hairs on leaf surface. Flowers clustered in axils of upper leaves. Petals pink, lavender, or occasionally white; 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) long, with 5 teeth and prominent nerves in the tube. Fruits are nutlets less than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long, smooth, light brown, each with an irregular dark line on the convex side. Found in meadows, in pastures, along ditches and shores, mostly on damp, open gravel.