Fresh or dried leaves and flowers in teas, beverages, sauces, jellies, vinegars; Fresh leaves in fruit salad, peas, syrups, candies, ice creams, lamb dishes, mint sauce, Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours), The central stem and any upper lateral stems terminate in dense spikes of whorled flowers about 1-6" long. Peppermint and spearmint are common, but other types have subtle, delicious variations on the basic mint fragrance. In Spain and Central and South America, mint is known as menta. Minty isn't a fresh word name — it's an old-fashioned nickname for Araminta, the romantic smoosh name coined by playwright William Congreve in 1693. [6] The flowers are white to purple and produced in false whorls called verticillasters. Even with the less invasive mints, care should be taken when mixing any mint with any other plants, lest the mint take over. It includes many other aromatic herbs, including most of the more common cooking herbs, such as basil, rosemary, sage, oregano, and catnip. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, from oblong to lanceolate, often downy, and with a serrated margin. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to One of the best mints for flavor. Slender Mint (Mentha diemenica)This dwarf 6 inches high mint is frost hardy and native to Australia. [12], They are fast-growing, extending their reach along surfaces through a network of runners. [19][21], Although it is used in many consumer products, mint may cause allergic reactions in some people, inducing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headaches, heartburn, tingling or numbing around the mouth, anaphylaxis or contact dermatitis. R. W. Smith. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Mint leaves, without a qualifier like 'peppermint' or 'apple mint', generally refers to spearmint leaves. Best grown in a pot as it spreads rampantly. The fruit is a nutlet, containing one to four seeds. It's quite distinguished sounding, but inexplicably tied to president Benjamin Franklin. [5] However, M. cunninghamii was excluded in a 2007 treatment of the genus.[10]. [10] Synonyms, along with cultivars and varieties where available, are included within the specific nothospecies. N.C. Stepping on the mint helped to spread its scent through the room. The lower surface of each leaf is pale to medium green and either glabrous or nearly so. Mints will grow 10–120 cm tall and can spread over an indeterminate area. [19], Menthol from mint essential oil (40–90%) is an ingredient of many cosmetics and some perfumes. Botanical Name: Mentha sp. Common Name: Korean Mint: Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae: USDA hardiness: 7-10: Known Hazards: None known: Habitats: Grassy places in mountains, especially by streams, and in valleys all over Japan[58]. Dried mint leaves should be stored in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, dry area.[14]. In Lusophone countries, especially in Portugal, mint species are popularly known as hortelã. Plant Dimensions: 18" tall and spreading indefinitely by underground stems called rhizomes. The mint genus has a large grouping of recognized hybrids. Those accepted by Plants of the World Online are listed below. Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly called mountain mint or short-toothed mountain mint or clustered mountain mint, is a clump-forming aromatic perennial that typically grows 1-3 tall. Some mints can be propagated by seed, but growth from seed can be an unreliable method for raising mint for two reasons: mint seeds are highly variable — one might not end up with what one supposed was planted[11] — and some mint varieties are sterile. Fresh leaves should be used immediately or stored up to a few days in plastic bags in a refrigerator. [10] In 2004, a molecular phylogenetic study indicated that both M. cervina and M. cunninghamii should be included in Mentha. Mint grows all year round. Since day one mint as been used to improve digestion and settle an upset stomach. Seeds from hybrids give rise to variable offspring, which may spread through vegetative propagation. [19][22], Mint oil is also used as an environmentally friendly insecticide for its ability to kill some common pests such as wasps, hornets, ants, and cockroaches.[23]. Mints are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including buff ermine moths. [19] There are several uses in traditional medicine[20] and preliminary research for possible use in treating irritable bowel syndrome. 20 Names Similar to Minty These 20 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Minty. All mints thrive near pools of water, lakes, rivers, and cool moist spots in partial shade. Our only native species of Mentha. All mints thrive near pools of water, lakes, rivers, and cool moist spots in partial shade. The genus has a subcosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America. Balm, any of several aromatic herbs of the mint family, grown for their fragrant leaves. Each distinct species of mint has its own scientific name. Mint essential oil and menthol are extensively used as flavorings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth rinses, toothpaste, chewing gum, desserts, and candies, such as mint (candy) and mint chocolate. Mentha (also known as mint, from Greek μίνθα míntha,[2] Linear B mi-ta[3]) is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family). †Mentha pliocenica fossil seeds have been excavated in Pliocene deposits of Dvorets on the right bank of the Dnieper river between the cities of Rechitsa and Loyew, in south-eastern Belarus. The foliage of Spearmint has a moderately strong minty fragrance. Common names should be written in normal type with a small first letter, unless it is a Place name or Person's name, e.g. As a natural pest repelling plant, pennyroyal is troubled by few insects. Spearmint, (Mentha spicata) is an aromatic herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely used for culinary purposes. Mentha piperita Lavendula, like all the mints, is very hardy, versatile and invasive. One of the best mints for flavor. Lamiaceae ⁄ Labiatae – Mint family Genus: Mentha L. – mint Species: Mentha ×piperita L. (pro sp.) Common Pests/Diseases . Known in Greek mythology as the herb of hospitality,[24] one of mint's first known uses in Europe was as a room deodorizer. Today, it is more commonly used for aromatherapy through the use of essential oils. A long, shallow container, like the color bowls below, makes a perfect home for these rampant runner rogues. Leaf colors range from dark green and gray-green to purple, blue, and sometimes pale yellow. The most Minty families were found in the UK in 1891. The most common and popular mints for commercial cultivation are peppermint (Mentha × piperita), native spearmint (Mentha spicata), Scotch spearmint (Mentha x gracilis), and cornmint (Mentha arvensis);[13] also (more recently) apple mint (Mentha suaveolens). Family Name: Labiatae. Common Name: Round-Leaved Mint, Apple mint, Pineapple Mint: Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae: USDA hardiness: 5-10: Known 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. Lavender Mint. Fresh mint is usually preferred over dried mint when storage of the mint is not a problem. Labiatae. In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions, and can also be grown in full sun. See the popularity of the boy's name Mint over time, plus its meaning, origin, common sibling names, and more in BabyCenter's Baby Names tool. M. arvensis of Michigan Flora. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. [18] Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains. It is more effective to take and plant cuttings from the runners of healthy mints. Some mint species are more invasive than others. (a few include the following): Mentha aquatica (Wild Mint, Water Mint, Marsh Mint, Hairy Mint) Mentha x aquatica (Lemon Mint) Mentha arvensis (Field Mint, Brook Mint; Spanish: Poleo, Poleo Casero; Nahuatl: Chichilticxihoitl, Tlalat chietl) Mentha arvensis var. In Missouri, it is only … You can see how Minty families moved over time by selecting different census years. MINT. The upper surface of each leaf is medium green and glabrous; it has a wrinkled appearance because of the indentations along its veins. [4] The exact distinction between species is unclear; it is estimated that 13 to 24 species exist. Manfreda undulata 'Mint Chocolate Chip' is a unique-looking, low-growing, succulent plant up to 1 feet (30 cm) tall and up to 4 feet (1.2 m) wide… Browse Succulents by Scientific Name In 1840 there were 6 Mints families living in North Carolina. Other common names. Common Name: WILD MINT Synonym: Mentha arvensis: Coefficient of Conservatism: 3 Coefficient of Wetness: -3 Wetness Index: FACW Physiognomy: Nt P-Forb. Mint is name that's been used by parents who are considering unisex or non-gendered baby names--baby names that can be used for any gender. Types of Mint for the Garden. Best grown in a pot as it spreads rampantly. form a strategic partnership called N.C. [4] Authors have disagreed on the circumscription of Mentha. Alcoholic drinks sometimes feature mint for flavor or garnish, such as the mint julep and the mojito. Many hybrids and cultivars are known. [6], The species that makes up the genus Mentha are widely distributed and can be found in many environments. Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial herbs. This was about 22% of all the recorded Minty's in the USA. pulegium.) Browse succulents by common name: Mexican Mint - Plant information, facts and uses, photos, growing tips, where to buy, and more. Peppermint's scientific name, for example, is Mentha piperita, while Mentha spicata is spearmint. And, while beneficial insects love mint flowers, some mints make seeds that can sprout and come up without you noticing, so keep an eye on those flowers! Introduction. It's a common-enough herb, available at the farmers' market. [11] In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions, and can also be grown in full sun. Araminta – Love Arabella, but not the inevitable nickname Bella, which would also be shared with all … … In 1880 there were 19 Minty families living in Iowa. [5][1] Hybridization occurs naturally where some species range overlap. Family: Laminaceae Native: Unknown Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 6 and warmer, and possibly down to zone 3. Vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions. Spearmint, (Mentha spicata) is an aromatic herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely used for culinary purposes. As of December 2020[update], Plants of the World Online recognized the following species:[1]. Botanical and Common Names. It is also eaten by beetles such as Chrysolina coerulans (blue mint beetle)[15][16] and Mint leaf beetle. Due to their tendency to spread unchecked, some mints are considered invasive.[7]. spearmint, Japanese mint & Bowles' mint, or the word begins a sentence of course. Tea in Arab countries is popularly drunk this way. The variability has led to what has been described as "paroxysms of species and subspecific taxa"; for example, one taxonomist published 434 new mint taxa for central Europe alone between 1911 and 1916. The scientific name of Mint is mentha. To control mints in an open environment, they should be planted in deep, bottomless containers sunk in the ground, or planted above ground in tubs and barrels.[11]. Use flowers and leaves fresh or dried in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, ice creams, lamb dishes, and mint sauce. Due to their speedy growth, one plant of each desired mint, along with a little care, will provide more than enough mint for home use. More than 3,000 names have been published in the genus Mentha, at ranks from species to forms, the majority of which are regarded as synonyms or illegitimate names. Listed below are some of the more commonly grown varieties of mint for the garden: Peppermint; Spearmint; Pineapple mint; Apple mint (Woolly mint) Pennyroyal; Ginger mint; Horsemint; Red Raripila mint; Catmint; Chocolate mint; Orange mint; Lavender mint; Grapefruit mint; Calamint; Licorice mint; Basil mint; Chewing Gum mint; Watermint; Corn or Field … MINT, WILD Botanical: Mentha sativa (LINN.) Harvesting of mint leaves can be done at any time. Menthol and mint essential oil are also used in aromatherapy which may have clinical use to alleviate post-surgery nausea. However, powdery mildew and mint rust can trouble plants growing in crowded, damp, shady conditions. 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