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.