Few wild plants are hardy enough to emerge in April. The ground has only recently thawed and most are waiting for just the right amount of consistent warmth and moisture before coming up. But purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) takes advantage of the open expanses of soil and lack of competition. This common weedy plant is a member of the mint family and forms early groundcover mats, with fuzzy, spade-shaped leaves and delicate purple-pink flowers, a lovely addition to a spring weed bouquet.
You may see it on the edges of an empty lot, taking over mulched tree pits, or growing in patches across still-bare lawns. Its close relative, henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), has identical flowers but more scallop-shaped leaves and also appears in April. While the leaves of both Lamium species do resemble those in the nettle family, these mints are actually unrelated to true nettles and have no sting, making them “dead.” As with all members of the mint family, they have a telltale square-shaped stem, though neither possesses quite the fragrance or culinary potential of their more popular cousins. At best, you can add the younger leaves to a spring green salad or sauté mix.
The name Lamium, most likely from the Greek laimos, refers to the throat or gullet. It might have been named after its throatlike corolla of flowers. Another interpretation may be the wonderful whistling sound you can (attempt) to make by carefully placing one of the tiny flowers between your lips and blowing. Either you’ll call your garden fairies to attention, or more likely, swallow a fair number of flowers trying.
More: Cold-hardy chickweed is everywhere in early spring and fall. You may even spot some in your salad greens.
An important early food source for hungry pollinators, purple deadnettle and henbit also self-pollinate, ensuring their reproduction regardless of whether they have bee visitors. You can elect to yank these shallow-rooted and easy to pull early pioneers to make way for your spring planting, or you can let them be and enjoy a few weeks of their purples and greens. When the weather heats up, both will yellow and wither, waiting for the cooler days of fall before reemerging.
Mint is one of the most popular herbs, recognized by its square stems and fragrant, refreshing aroma However, several other plants resemble mint and can be easily mistaken for it in a home garden or landscape Knowing how to identify the imposters is key to proper weed management.
Why Identifying Mint Look-Alikes Matters
Proper identification of plants is crucial for several reasons
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Safety – Some mint look-alikes are toxic or irritating skin. Mistaking a toxic plant for mint could have serious consequences if ingested.
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Invasiveness – Certain mint imposters are highly invasive weeds that can take over gardens and landscapes when left unchecked Identifying and removing them early is critical,
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Flavor/Fragrance – Imposter plants may not have the desired minty flavor or aroma if used for culinary purposes. Identifying the true mint ensures you get the intended result.
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Medicinal uses – True mint has many medicinal benefits that imposters may lack. Using the wrong plant can impact the efficacy of herbal remedies.
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Plant management – Accurately identifying all plants, including weeds, allows you to cultivate desired species and remove unwanted ones. Proper ID is essential for garden/landscape health.
Characteristics of True Mint Plants
To distinguish mint from look-alikes, it helps to first understand mint’s defining features:
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Square stems – The square shape of mint’s stems and branches sets it apart from relatives with round stems.
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Opposing leaves – Leaves always grow in opposing pairs along the stem at 90 degree angles.
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Tapered, oblong leaves – Leaves are tapered at both ends and longer than they are wide.
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Toothed leaf edges – Leaf edges are finely toothed or serrated.
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Aromatic – All mints have a strong, refreshing aroma released when leaves are crushed or rubbed.
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Purple flowers – Small purple, pink, or white tubular flowers grow in whorls or clusters along an erect spike.
Common Mint Look-Alikes
Several plants mimic mint’s appearance or scent. Some of the most frequent offenders are:
Lemon Balm
With its square stems and opposing leaves, lemon balm mirrors mint’s form but emits a lemon scent when crushed. Its leaves are more heart-shaped and serrated compared to mint’s tapered leaves.
Catnip
Another mint family member, catnip shares mint’s square stems and opposing, lightly toothed leaves. Its scent attracts cats and its small pale purple flowers with dark spots distinguish it from true mints.
Stinging Nettle
This invasive weed disguises itself with opposing leaves and square stems but is covered in stinging hairs and lacks any minty scent.
Perilla Mint
Despite its name, this toxic mint relative has distinctive ruffled, purple-tinged leaves. It gives off a minty aroma when crushed but is potentially poisonous to humans and livestock when ingested.
Jamaican Mint
This tropical plant isn’t a true mint but smells similar when crushed. Its smooth, elliptical leaves and thick lavender flower spikes set it apart from other mints.
Korean Mint
Korean mint’s flavor and peppermint scent can trick the senses, but its tubular lilac flower clusters emerging above mint-like leaves reveal its true identity.
Creeping Charlie
A notorious lawn weed, creeping Charlie mimics mint with square stems and opposing, scallop-edged leaves but lacks fragrance and has a low, spreading habit.
Henbit
Early in its life cycle, henbit’s square stems, opposing leaves, and purple flowers may suggest it’s a mint, but its egg-shaped leaves and medicinal scent set it apart.
Hairy Mountain Mint
Despite its name, this plant’s long, fuzzy leaves lack mint’s signature pointed shape and smell. Scrutinize leaf shape and scent to distinguish it.
Key Identification Tips
When trying to determine if an unknown plant is mint or an imposter, focus on these key characteristics:
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Crush a leaf and smell – does it have an unmistakable minty scent?
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Examine the stem – is it square or round? Square = mint.
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Are leaves arranged in opposing pairs along the stem? If not, likely not mint.
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Analyze leaf shape and edges – mint has tapered, oblong leaves with finely toothed edges.
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Note any hairs on stems and leaves – mint lacks hairs.
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Watch for colorful flowers – mint has purple, white, or pink flowers in dense clusters.
Why Imposter Plants Mimic Mint
Many plants try to blend in or mimic desirable species as a survival strategy. Some reasons mint is frequently impersonated include:
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Many imposters like catnip, lemon balm, and perilla mint are in the mint family and naturally resemble true mint.
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Mimicking mint’s aromatic qualities can help other plants hide from herbivores.
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Mint is well adapted to a variety of conditions. Imitating mint may help other plants also thrive.
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Mint’s popularity among humans can lead to some plants being mistakenly cultivated.
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Imposters may “trick” pollinators and other beneficial insects attracted to true mint.
Suggestions For Managing Mint Look-Alikes
If you discover mint imposters invading your garden, here are some management suggestions:
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Properly identify the plant first using the tips above to ensure you choose suitable control methods.
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For edible imposters like lemon balm, enjoy harvesting them for culinary use.
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Remove unwanted plants early when populations are small and easy to control.
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Manual weeding and cultivation are ideal for small infestations.
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Apply organic mulch to inhibit growth and seed germination.
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Plant groundcovers or dense plantings to outcompete weedy imposters.
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Use targeted, non-persistent herbicides as a last resort if manual methods fail.
Properly identifying all plants in your landscape ensures you cultivate desirable species and promptly remove potential weeds before they spread. When in doubt distinguishing mint from look-alikes, consult gardening experts for positive identification. With a bit of knowledge, you’ll be reading through weedy disguises in no time!
The Weed of the Month series explores the ecology and history of the common wild plants that most gardeners consider weeds.
Saara Nafici is the executive director of Added Value/Red Hook Community Farm. She is also the former coordinator of the Garden Apprentice Program at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and a longtime activist, feminist, bicyclist, naturalist, and youth educator. Follow her weedy plant adventures on Instagram.
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FAQ
What plants can be mistaken for mint?
Pennyroyal looks very similar to peppermint. However, caution is advised as the pennyroyal is poisonous. While the stamens of peppermint are as long as the petals, the stamens of pennyroyal extend well beyond the tubularly fused petals.
Is there a poisonous plant that looks like mint?
Sometimes known as beefsteak plant, Chinese basil or purple mint, perilla mint was introduced from East Asia for its ornamental and culinary values. Usually, animals do not consume this plant, but poisoning can occur when more desirable plants are in short supply.
How to get rid of mint weeds?
If you have other established plants, dig them out, remove every piece of mint stem and rhizome from their root balls, and relocate them. Then dig the area deeply and thoroughly, shaking mint stems and roots from each spade of soil. Some people recommend screening each spadeful of soil.
Does creeping Charlie smell like mint?
Yes, creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) does have a minty smell when crushed or when the leaves are disturbed. It is in the mint family (Lamiaceae), which is why it shares a similar aromatic quality.