Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) is a member of the mint genus Mentha that ranges through southern and western Europe and the Mediterranean. It is a herbaceous, upright perennial that is most commonly grown as a culinary herb and/or ground cover.

The foliage of Apple mint is light green. Leaves are sessile and round, being oblong to nearly ovate. They are somewhat hairy on top and downy underneath with serrated edges.

Apple mint blooms from July to August, and has light purple-pink flowers. It is hardy and easy to grow, preferring full-sun to lightly-shady conditions. It typically grows to 2 ft tall and spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover.

The leaves of this plant can be used to make Apple mint jelly, as well as a flavoring in dishes such as Apple mint couscous. It is also often used to make a tea, as a garnish, or in salads.

Pineapple mint (Mentha sauveolens varigata) is a variation of Apple mint that has leaves which are banded with white. Another variety is Grapefruit mint (Mentha suaveolens x piperata).

References

• Penn State Dept. of Horticulture entry for Apple mint
• University of Illinois Extension entry for the mints