![]() ![]() However, the main differentiator between lemon balm and these mint species is height. Much like the latter, lemon balm plants also have pink or white flowers. Lemon balm features heart-shaped leaves with jagged edges, hence why it is often misidentified for mint species like peppermint or spearmint. Lemon balm is also a popular ornamental plant in many homes around the world. Like a lot of mint plants, lemon balm is used for flavoring as well as herbal teas. It is named for the lemony scent of its leaves, which are also used to produce perfume fragrances. While not in the same genus exactly, lemon balm is still in the Lamiaceae family, which is commonly referred to as the “mint family”. One plant that is often mistaken for mint, but isn’t officially in the Mentha genus is lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis), a perennial bushy herb that originated in central Eurasia. The distinct leaf shape of the spearmint that resembles well, a spear, the green color, and plant size will what determine the plants that make this list. Here we are concerned with the look of the plant and leaves and will deal with the smells a bit later. ![]() Now that we’ve looked at the classic examples of mint, let’s take a look at some would-be lookalikes. Is There Another Plant That Looks Like Mint? Amazon has a three plant potted kitchen herb selection that you can get sent right to your front door. Here is a great way I recommend to get some of these mint, mint-like, and mint related plants. Mature spearmint plants can be between 12-24 inches tall. The flowers are conical in shape and can either be pink or white. Spearmint stems, though squared as well, are often hairier than those of peppermint. Spearmint is so-called because of its leaves, which are shaped like spear tips. It also has longer leaves which lend to the word ‘spear’ being included in the name. It is distinct from peppermint in intensity and type of smell. Spearmint is another species of mint like peppermint and is one of the most common found in gardens and grocery store produce departments. Like peppermint, spearmint can be a nuisance for gardeners with little use for it. It is perennial, which means it thrives all year round. ![]() Spearmint (aka common mint) is another widespread variety or species of mint that has similar uses to peppermint. Heck, peppermint is often regarded as an invasive weed because of how fast it spreads. Like a lot of mint species, peppermint can spread very quickly thanks to an aggressive network of stolons and rhizomes (aka “runners”). Plant height can range from 18-36 inches. The leaves are fuzzy and have jagged edges like a saw. Peppermint plants are characterized by their dark green leaves, squarish stems, and pink/lavender flowers. It is also used as a flavoring for ice cream, beverages, and (of course) candy! It is also used for domestic products such as soaps, surface cleaners, and toothpaste. Peppermint is most commonly used for herbal teas, both as the sole ingredient or as part of a mixture with other herbs. It is a crossbreed or hybrid version of tow types of mint plants and is one of the more popular consumer versions. There are several types of plants in the Mentha species in which Peppermint is one. Mint is a general name given to a specific species of plants known by the name Mentha. The plant can be found in gardens and wild forests all around the world. The most common species is arguably peppermint ( Mentha piperita), which is actually a crossbreed of spearmint ( Mentha spicata) and water mint ( Mentha aquatica). What Is The Difference Between Mint And Peppermint Plants? In fact, there are over 600 (you read that correctly) species, subspecies, and hybrids of mint! These plants do share certain base characteristics but each manages to put its unique spin on what it means to be a mint plant. That’s right, there isn’t just one plant that bears the mint name. Well, let’s begin by stating that “Mint” is a genus of several mint species. This feeling can also come from other plants. ![]() Even university health groups and department like UCHealth out of the University of California system acknowledges that the feeling of coolness from mint is a ‘trick’ of sorts. Some of the more popular varieties are:īefore we know how to recognize a mint look-alike, we should find out what is meant in general when someone says mint. The leaf structures and plant shape are fairly similar. There are several plants that look like mint that can be found in many flower beds and gardens in residential settings. Or is there? Could there be other plants that look like mint? Ah, the distinctly cool and refreshing whiff of mint…there’s nothing like it. ![]()
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