Bigleaf mint
Mentha × rotundifolia
Synonyms: Mentha × rotundifolia var. brachytricha, Mentha sylvestris var. niliaca, Mentha × rotundifolia var. rugosa, Mentha × clandestina, Mentha × rotundifolia f. genuina, Mentha × rotundifolia var. apodysa, Mentha × villosa var. wirtgeniana, Mentha × rotundifolia var. psilostachya, Mentha × rotundifolia f. rugosa, Mentha × anglica, Mentha × rotundifolia var. variegata, Mentha viridis var. cana, Mentha × rotundifolia f. clandestina, Mentha nouletiana var. gallica, Mentha × fragrans, Mentha × villosa f. burckhardtiana, Mentha × rotundifolia var. bella, Mentha × burckhardtiana, Mentha × niliaca var. melaneilema, Mentha × rotundifolia var. expallens, Mentha × rotundifolia f. pachystachya, Mentha × ambigua, Mentha × rotundifolia f. cordifolia, Mentha × rotundifolia var. fragrans, Mentha spicata var. rotundifolia, Mentha × rotundifolia var. microdonta, Mentha × rotundifolia var. semeiodes, Mentha × niliaca, Mentha × rotundifolia f. exstans, Mentha × rotundifolia var. crematophylla, Mentha × rotundifolia var. clandestina, Mentha × halleri, Mentha × niliaca var. lurida, Mentha × microstachys, Mentha × rotundifolia var. segorbensis, Mentha × rotundifolia f. thierseana, Mentha × rotundifolia var. trevirani, Mentha × rotundifolia f. ambigua
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Mentha × rotundifolia, commonly known as apple mint or round-leaved mint, is an aromatic perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, arising as a natural hybrid between Mentha longifolia and Mentha suaveolens. It is widely naturalised across temperate Europe and beyond. The plant spreads by long, creeping rhizomes that produce dense patches and bears erect, square, softly hairy stems 30 to 90 centimetres tall. The opposite leaves are rounded to broadly ovate, 2 to 5 centimetres long, sessile or nearly so, with crenate to serrate margins and a wrinkled, densely tomentose surface that gives the foliage a soft, woolly, greyish-green appearance and emits a fruity, apple-like scent when bruised. The inflorescences are slender terminal spikes 4 to 10 centimetres long, composed of dense whorls of small tubular flowers ranging from pale lilac to pinkish-white, each flower bearing four nearly equal lobes and protruding stamens. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer and the plant attracts numerous pollinators.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.