Native to Europe, Asia and Africa; and introduced to North America
Herbaceous perennial plant with creeping rhizomes and erect stems.
Grows up to 3' tall and 3' wide, but generally much shorter.
Lance-shaped, toothed leaves with hairs on the stalk.
Thrives on man-made or disturbed habitats, and river or lake shores.
Does well in all soil types and pHs, but generally needs moisture.
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
Mint is a symbol of virtue in Western culture, and thought to attract wealth and prosperity in Eastern mysticism. Its name derives from a Greek mythological story where the goddess Persephone transformed the nymph Mentha into a plant because she was jealous of Hades' affections for her.
The scent is linked to increases in alertness, productivity, and overall mood. It is also a symbol of hospitality. Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist and philosopher, says that "the very smell of it reanimates the spirit". Ancient Greeks and Romans had rubbed their tables with mint before hosting guests.
Ancient Hebrews and Christians also had a similar custom in temples and churches.
Specimen photographed found at Lost Lake, Groton, Massachusetts. Part of the Shoreline Plants assignment (10/20/2021)
Plant History and Etymology
Mentha is a loanword of uncertain origin meaning "mint", and longifolia is a New Latin word meaning "long-leaved". It has long been known to have medicinal properties such as easing stomach pain and rashes. Nicholas Culpeper in Complete Herbal (1653), writes that it also "helps a stinking breath [...] and, snuffed up the nose, purges the head". It is still used as a folk remedy in many cultures as an antimicrobial and a stimulant, as well as in cooking. Recent studies have shown that it may be a promising lead for the development of new drugs.
Design Considerations
The mint plant has small, blue, purple and white flowers, but its largest aesthetic value is its strong scent. It is generally very inconspicuous and makes a good "backdrop" plant in a designed planting. Its flowers are also highly attractive to bees and butterflies, and it repels insect pests which make it a good plant to grow near crops in a garden.
Sources
“Mentha Longifolia (L.) L.” 2014. Pgrportal.nl. 2014. https://www.cwrnl.nl/en/CWRnl-1/CWRbyname/Mentha-longifolia-L.-L.-1.htm.
“Mentha Longifolia Horsemint PFAF Plant Database.” 2021. Pfaf.org. 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mentha+longifolia.
“Mentha Longifolia (Horse Mint): Go Botany.” 2021. Nativeplanttrust.org. 2021. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/mentha/longifolia/.
Wikipedia Contributors. 2021. “Mentha Longifolia.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. September 19, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha_longifolia.
Moloudizargari, Milad, Shahin Aghajanshakeri, Peyman Mikaili, and Sina Mojaverrostami. 2013. “Pharmacological and Therapeutic Effects of Mentha Longifolia L. And Its Main Constituent, Menthol.” Ancient Science of Life 33 (2): 129. https://doi.org/10.4103/0257-7941.139059.
Linsay Evans. 2021. “Ultimate Guide to Mint Plant Meaning, Types, and Uses.” Petal Republic. April 22, 2021. https://www.petalrepublic.com/mint-plant/.
“Mint - the Epicentre.” 2020. The Epicentre. March 23, 2020. https://theepicentre.com/spice/mint/.