Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

The mint family conatains approximately 3500 species in 180 genera. The first thing that comes to mind when this family is mentioned is the spices. Oregano (Origanum vulgare), spearmint (Mentha spicata), peppermint (Mentha piperita) basil (Clinopodium vulgaris) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are but a few of the many cooking herbs this family contains.

Sytematics: One can tell a mint by a few characteristics. The flowers come in 5's, they're usually aromatic, leaves are opposite and they have square stems.

Field Mint Mentha arvensis