Mentha suaveolens Ehrh.

Scientific Name and Height

Apple mint, scientifically named Mentha suaveolens Ehrh., typically grows 40 to 100 centimetres (16 to 39 inches) tall.

Growth Habit

It spreads via stolons to form clonal colonies.

Foliage Appearance

Its foliage is light green, with opposite, wrinkled, sessile leaves.

Leaf Dimensions and Shape

The leaves range from oblong to nearly ovate, 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2.0 in) long and 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) broad.

Leaf Surface and Edges

Leaves are somewhat hairy on the upper surface, downy underneath, and have serrated edges.

Flower Inflorescence

Flowers grow in terminal spikes 4 to 9 cm (1.6 to 3.5 in) long, made up of multiple whorls of white or pinkish flowers.

Bloom Period

Apple mint blooms from mid to late summer.

Aroma and Flavour

The whole plant is aromatic, with a fruity, minty flavour.

Native and Naturalised Range

Apple mint is native to southern and western Europe, and naturalised in central and northern Europe.

Habitat Preference

It grows in damp and wet locations.

Ornamental Use

As an attractive, hardy, easy-to-grow herb, apple mint is often grown as an ornamental plant.

Cultivation Light Requirements

It prefers growing conditions ranging from full sun to light shade.

Culinary Uses

Its leaves can be used to make apple mint jelly, act as a flavouring for dishes like apple mint couscous, be brewed into mint tea, used as a garnish, or added to salads.

Variegated Cultivar

Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata') is a cultivar of apple mint that has leaves banded with white.

Hybrid Cultivar

Grapefruit mint (Mentha suaveolens × piperata) is a hybrid derived from apple mint.

Medicinal Use History

Apple mint has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years across many regions of the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.