Lamiaceae FAMILY

Mentha spicata

Edibility

3/5

Medicinal

3/5

Safety & Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, large quantities of some members of this genus, especially when taken in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so some caution is advised.

Botanical Description

Mentha spicata is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock. It produces a cluster of stems up to 60cm tall, spreading widely when in a suitable position Spearmint is a frequently used herb, being employed as a domestic herbal remedy, as a food flavouring and source of essential oils. It is commonly grown in gardens and is also grown on a commercial scale , especially for its essential oils and leaves[ 317 Title Mansfeld's Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Plants Publication Author Website http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:3:4292127278597336 Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Terse details of a huge range of useful plants. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeWestern, central and southern Europe, through the Caucasus and Turkey to the Himalayas and China

HabitatRoadsides and waste places, usually in damp soils and sunny positions[ 4 Title A Modern Herbal. Publication Author Grieve. Publisher Penguin Year 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 Description Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants. , 16 Title New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Publication Author Simons. Publisher Penguin Year 1977 ISBN 0-14-046-050-0 Description A good guide to growing vegetables in temperate areas, not entirely organic. , 17 Title Flora of the British Isles. Publication Author Clapham, Tutin and Warburg. Publisher Cambridge University Press Year 1962 ISBN - Description A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures. , 37 Title The Gardener's Assistant. Publication Author Thompson. B. Publisher Blackie and Son. Year 1878 ISBN - Description Excellent general but extensive guide to gardening practices in the 19th century. A very good section on fruits and vegetables with many little known species. ].