Mentha spicata

One of the best known and most widely cultivated mints. It is one of the oldest culinary herbs and is thought to be a cross of horse-mint and round-leaved mint. It  grows to a height of 18 in and is best grown in a container to prevent it rung wild and taking over the whole garden. A native of the Mediterranean region, this mint was introduced to America by the Pilgrim Fathers. It prefers a rich, moist soil and should be cut back to encourage new growth from the roots.

Spearmint produces long spikes of lilac flowers in summer. This mint goes under a number of different names, including garden mint, mackered mint, our lady´s mint, sage of Bethlehem, fish mint and lamb mint.

Legends: Its generic name, Mentha, comes from ancient Greek mythology - Mentha was a nymph metamorphosed into the plant we now call mint.

Medicinal: The application of a strong decoction of spearmint is reputed to heal chapped hands.

"Woe unto you, for ye pay a tithe of mint and anise and cumin."
Matthew 23