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identifying mint #874466

Asked June 24, 2024, 3:05 PM EDT

A minty plant is growing in our yard. How can we identify what type of mint it is? How can we determine if it is safe to consume? See photos.

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

It appears to be in the mint family. Rub the leaf vigorously and not whether it smells minty. I need it in flower to do a proper ID, so it might be quicker to take one to a nursery for ID.
Patricia Patterson Replied June 25, 2024, 5:07 PM EDT
The plants have flowered, so attached is a photo.  
Thanks.

On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 2:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 10:39 PM EDT
This looks like a true mint. It should smell very minty when rubbed. Unfortunately this group of plants is quite diverse, so the final give-away is the scent. My Egyptian mint looks like this and has a very strong aroma, but other mints also flower in this pattern. It does belong to the edible mint group. These are used as condiments, jellies, syrups, herbals etc.
Patricia Patterson Replied July 27, 2024, 11:48 PM EDT

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