Bowles Mint

Description

(confusingly named Large Apple Mint, Old fashioned Mint, Foxtail Mint, Hairy Mint, Woolly Mint, Cuban Mint, Yerba Buena)

This is Bowles mint. This subspecies/variety is often sold as apple mint but it is an altogether different plant. Stems are very sturdy and can reach a height of four feet. Leaves are ovate, very pubescent and up to four inches long. Rounded leave bases curl round stem. No petioles – sessile. It smells strongly of spearmint and in the past has been a favourite of chefs but it wilts quickly when cut so is not a good choice for herb bouquets or tussie mussies. It is also a favourite of slugs. Underground rhizomes travel great distances, therefore very invasive. Pale lavender inflorescences in branching spikes.This mint has a strong green-apple fragrance and makes a great tea and addition to fruit salad.