Spearmint (Mentha spicata, Sp. Pl.: 576 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 576 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mentha

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to China

Description

Spearmint, scientifically known as Mentha spicata, is a highly aromatic perennial herb that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Originally found across a widespread region ranging from Europe to China, this resilient plant has now become a staple in herb gardens and wild areas worldwide due to its robust nature and pleasant fragrance.

With a rich history tracing back to its first documentation in Species Plantarum in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, spearmint has been cherished for centuries not only for its culinary versatility but also for its medicinal properties. This plant typically thrives in temperate climates, flourishing in moist, well-drained soils with ample sunlight.

Spearmint is characterized by its bright green, lance-shaped leaves which emit a refreshing and sweet minty aroma when crushed. The plant produces clusters of lilac or pink flowers during the blooming season, adding to its ornamental appeal in gardens. The leaves are commonly used fresh or dried in a variety of culinary dishes, such as salads, sauces, teas, and desserts, imparting a distinct and invigorating flavor.

Beyond its culinary uses, spearmint has been valued in traditional medicine for its therapeutic benefits. It contains significant levels of antioxidants and essential oils, particularly carvone, which contribute to its reputed ability to aid in digestion, relieve nausea, and soothe headaches. Moreover, spearmint oil is often utilized in aromatherapy to provide a calming and uplifting effect.

Cultivating spearmint is relatively straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. It is best propagated through root division or cuttings, as this method ensures that the new plants retain the strong characteristics of the parent plant. Regular pruning helps to maintain its density and prevent it from becoming too invasive, as spearmint has a tendency to spread vigorously.

In summary, spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a versatile and robust herb celebrated for its fragrant leaves and myriad uses in culinary and medicinal applications. Its ease of cultivation and beneficial properties ensure that it remains a favored plant for gardeners and herbal enthusiasts across the globe.

Common Names

Eng: bush mint, spear mint, spearmint
Dan: grøn mynte
Deu: grün-minze, grüne minze, krauseminze, ähren-minze, ährige minze
Fra: menthe en grappe, menthe en épi, menthe verte, menthe à épis, baume, menthe en épis
Pol: mięta zielona
Mlt: nagħniegh
Swe: grönmynta, viherminttu
Nno: grønmynte
Nob: grønnmynte
Por: hortelã-comum, hortelã-crespa, hortelã-verde-dos-açores, hortelã-vulgar
Lav: krūzmētra
Spa: menta romana, yerbabuena
Ces: máta klasnatá
Est: rohemünt
Fin: viherminttu
Hun: zöld menta (incl. fodormenta)
Lit: šaltoji mėta
Nld: aarmunt
Ita: menta romana
Cym: mintys mair, mintys sbigog, mintys ysbigog, mintys y gwaed, pupur fint, ysper fintys
En: Spearmint, Garden mint, Bush mint (spearmint), Spear Mint, Bush mint, Menthol Mint, Curled Mint, Horse mint, Wild mint
Af: Kruisement
Ar: نعنع (نَعْنَع)، لمام ( لِمام), حبق المويه(حَبَق المويه)، حبق الميه (حَبَق الميه), حبقبق (حَبَقْبَق)، حبق البحر (حَبَق البَحْر)
Ca: Menta, Menta del caramel, Menta sopera, Menta de bou
Cs: Máta klasnatá
Da: Grøn mynte
Nl: Aarmunt
Et: Rohemünt
Fi: Viherminttu
Fr: Menthe verte, Baume, Baume vert, Menthe à épis, Menthe romaine, Menthe en grappe, Menthe en épi, Menthe en épis, Menthe à longues feuilles, Menthe, Menthe glabre, Menthe velue
De: Krauseminze, Grüne Minze, Grün-Minze, Ähren-Minze, Ährige Minze
Hu: Zöld menta (incl. fodormenta)
It: Menta romana, Mentastro verde
Lv: Krūzmētra
Lt: Šaltoji mėta
Mt: Nagħniegh
Nb: Grønnmynte
Nn: Grønmynte
Pl: Mięta zielona
Pt: Hortelã-comum, Hortelã-verde, Hortelã-crespa, Hortelã-verde-dos-açores, Hortelã-vulgar
Pt-br: Hortelã-preta, Hortelã-verde
Sk: Mäta klasnatá
Es: Yerbabuena, Menta romana, Menta verde
Sv: Grönmynta, Viherminttu
Cy: Mintys Mair, Mintys Sbigog, Mintys Ysbigog, Mintys y Gwaed, Pupur Fint, Ysper Fintys

Synonyms

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Chad (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Falkland Is. (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Irkutsk (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mauritania (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Niger (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 14, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Botanique Jardin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 17, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Ignacio Bosio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2022 by montero johann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Philippe Bissières (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Philippe Bissières (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 12, 2020 by jeremieb06 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Nancy Feltman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Viegas Cananda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by pasquale pianese (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 25, 2020 by Quintero Lorena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Guilherme Luiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Francisco Agudelo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2020 by Antoine RIDE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2019 by Scardecchia Emanuele (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Nick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Henri Herz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Alan Baldemar Ramirez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Roy Roy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by krieger David (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927175)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:451162-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mentha spicata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 6