Common Name: |
Horsemint |
Botanical Name: |
Mentha longifolia syn. M. sylvestris, M. incana. |
Genus: |
Mentha |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Location: |
Europe, W Asia, C Russia, Caucasus, and S Africa |
Cultivation: |
Rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Mentha aquatica thrives in wet soil and M. arvensis tolerates dry conditions. Mentha pulegium prefers damn, sandy, acid soil; M. requienii needs moist shady conditions. Foliage may damaged by mildew and rust, though M. x villosa var. alopecuroides is resistant to rust. Most mints are invasive and are best grown in confined space. Mentha pulegium is a protected species in parts of Europe, and subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring (M. pulegium, M. requienii, M. satureioides only); by division in spring or autumn; by tip cuttings during the growing season, placed in moist soil mix or water (not M. requienii). Mentha requienii usually self sown self-sows. |
Harvest: |
Whole plants are cut as flowering begins, and leaves are cut during the growing season, and used fresh or dried for use in concentrated waters, infusions, liquid extracts, powders, spirits, or oil distillation. Mentha arvensis is mainly decocted or powdered in Chinese remedies. |
Height: |
40cm-1.2m (16in-4ft) |
:Width |
Indefinite |
Variations: |
Var. Capensis (Cape Spearmint) Has linear-lanceolate, densely hairy leaves, and a soft spearmint aroma. Height: 60cm (2ft) |
Buddleia Mint Group Has silver-gray foliage. |
Variegated Has velvety gray leaves, splashed pale yellow. |
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Hardiness: |
Z6-9 |
Parts Used: |
Whole plant, leaves, oil. |
Properties: |
A stimulant, carminative herb with a spearmint-like scent |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally as a tea to aid digestion. Externally for skin problems and dandruff |
Culinary Uses: |
Mainly in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Greek cuisine, in similar ways to spearmint; also in Indian chutneys. Leaves are candied. |
Economic Uses: |
A source of oil, used for flavoring, perfumery, and pharmaceuticals. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.275-277
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