Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens, Beitr. Naturk. 7: 149 (1792))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Ehrh.

Bibliography: Beitr. Naturk. 7: 149 (1792)

Year: 1792

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mentha

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Europe to Medit.

Description

Apple mint, known scientifically as Mentha suaveolens, is a charming and fragrant herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This perennial plant, often found flourishing in gardens and wild areas, is widely admired for its pleasant apple-like aroma, which sets it apart from other members of the mint family.

First described by Ehrhart in 1792 in the “Beitr. Naturk. 7: 149,” apple mint has since become a favorite in both culinary and medicinal applications. Its native range extends from Macaronesia and across Europe to the Mediterranean region, thriving in various climates and soil conditions. This adaptability has also led to its presence in numerous other parts of the world, often as an ornamental or a useful herb in kitchen gardens.

Characterized by its soft, velvety leaves with a distinct serrated edge and a gentle green hue, apple mint is not just a treat for the senses but also a visually appealing plant. It typically grows to a height of 40-90 cm (16-35 inches), with hairy stems that are square in cross-section—a common trait among mints. The plant blooms from mid to late summer, producing unique whorls of small, white to pale pink flowers that add a delicate touch to any garden.

One of the primary uses of apple mint lies in its culinary versatility. The leaves can be used fresh or dried to impart a sweet, minty flavor with hints of apple to various dishes, including salads, jellies, and beverages. Herbal teas made from apple mint leaves are particularly popular, offering a refreshing and soothing drink that aids digestion. Moreover, these leaves are a delightful addition to fruit punches, lemonades, and even certain cocktails, enhancing their flavor and aroma.

Beyond the kitchen, apple mint has a history of use in traditional medicine. It is believed to have mild antiseptic properties and has been used to treat ailments such as indigestion, headaches, and colds. The essential oils extracted from its leaves are also employed in aromatherapy, thanks to their calming and invigorating scents.

Gardening enthusiasts often cherish apple mint for its ease of cultivation. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. However, like most mints, it can become invasive if not properly managed. Planting it in containers or designated garden plots can help control its spread.

In conclusion, Mentha suaveolens, or apple mint, is a multifaceted plant that continues to be celebrated for its aromatic qualities, culinary uses, and medicinal benefits. Whether you are a gardener, a chef, or simply someone who appreciates nature’s gifts, apple mint is a delightful herb worth exploring.

Common Names

Deu: apfelminze, rundblatt-minze, rundblättrige minze
Eng: apple mint, pineapple mint, round-leaf mint, round-leaved mint, big-leaved mint
Dan: rundbladet mynte
Nld: wollige munt, witte munt
Spa: mastranzo
Fra: menthe à feuilles rondes, menthe odorante, menthe parfumée, menthe suave
Fin: pyöröminttu
Swe: pyöröminttu, rundmynta, blötmynta, rundbladsmynta
Nob: rundmynte
Nno: rundmynte
Tur: kaba nane
Ita: menta a foglie rotonde
Cym: mintys arogl afalaidd, mintys crwnddail, mintys deilgrwn, mintys lled-grynddail, mintys lledcrynddaii
En: Apple mint, Pineapple mint, Round-leaf mint, Bigleaf mint, Mint, Round-leaved Mint, Timijja, Big-leaved mint
Af: Appelmint
Ar: نعناع حلو الرائحة
Bg: Кръглолистна мента
Ca: Herba-sana borda, Matapuça, Menta borda, Mendastre, Menta de burro
Zh: 苹果薄荷, 蘋果薄荷
Kw: Menta aval
Cs: Máta vonná
Da: Rundbladet Mynte
Nl: Witte munt, Wollige munt, Ananas-Munt
Fi: Pyöröminttu
Fr: Menthe odorante, Menthe à Feuilles Rondes, Menthe parfumée, Menthe suave, Baume sauvage, Menthastre, Menthe de cheval, Menthe simple
Gl: Mentraste
De: Apfelminze, Rundblättrige Minze, Duft-Minze, Rundblatt-Minze, Edelminze, Runde Minze, Wohlriechende Minze
He: נענע ריחנית
Is: Epamynta
It: Menta a foglie rotonde
Ko: 애플민트
No: Rundmynte
Nb: Rundmynte
Nn: Rundmynte
Fa: نعنای سیبی
Ru: Мята душистая
Sk: Mäta voňavá
Es: Mastranzo, Hierba de sapos, Matapulgas, Mentastro
Sv: Rundmynta, Runmynta, Pyöröminttu, Blötmynta, Rundbladsmynta
Zh-tw: 蘋果薄荷
Zh-hant: 蘋果薄荷
Tr: Kaba nane
Cy: Mintys deilgrwn, Mintys Arogl Afalaidd, Mintys Crwnddail, Mintys Lled-Grynddail, Mintys LledcrynddaiI

Synonyms

• Mentha × rotundifolia var. suaveolens ((Ehrh.) Briq.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Chile North (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 6, 2018 by Susana López (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2018 by Bastien Milanese (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2018 by Daniel Vargas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2016 by Laurie David (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Christian TANGUY (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 6, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2017 by Domingo Naranjo Moreno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2017 by Pedro Salgadinho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 9, 2021 by Roukia Abdillah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2017 by Pedro Salgadinho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2019 by jserras (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Respiok (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2022 by Jérémi Dupin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 29, 2015 by Tela Botanica − pauline chiron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Raphäelle Bortolazzi-Bolli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Bua Lado Fco. Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by maire sofia (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Pacheco Gonzalez Salvador (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by Clarisse Demoute (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Bua Lado Fco. Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Maelane Tailland (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Nicolas Seraud (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927190)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:451188-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mentha suaveolens Ehrh.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 6

Soil salinity: 1