Spearmint

Spearmint (Mentha spicata, syn M. viridis) is a species of mint native to central and southern Europe, where it grows in wet soils.

Spearmint is a herbaceous perennial plant growing 30 to 100 cm tall, with leaves growing 5-9 cm long and 1.5-3 cm broad, having a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in slender spikes, each flower pink or white, 2.5-3 mm long and broad.

Hybrids involving spearmint include peppermint (Mentha × piperita, hybrid with watermint M. aquatica), gingermint (Mentha × gracilis, syn M. cardiaca, hybrid with cornmint Mentha arvensis), and large apple mint (Mentha × villosa, hybrid with apple mint Mentha suaveolens).

It is widely stated that the name comes from the "spear" shaped leaves.citation needed] A possible source for the name is the monastic order of St Pierre, whose monks are thought to have cultivated the herb.citation needed] The name may derive from its growth habit in spikes or "spears" rather than as shrubs.