Bushy Mint - Mentha arvensis x spicata = M. x gracilis

This is a hybrid between Corn Mint (Mentha arvensis) and Spear Mint (Mentha spicata). It may reach between 6 and 24 inches in height. The erect central stem is light green to reddish purple and square (four angled). Leaves are ovate and toothed. The very pale lilac flowers occur in whorls above the middle and upper leaves but there are no terminal flowers at the top of the stem.

A photo is required for this species and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used, and describe the size and identifying characters. The specimen should be retained as it may need to be referred to a recognised expert.

Damp places and waste ground, often in the absence of either parent. Often found as an escape from cultivation on tips or close to human habitation. 

In flower from late July through to late September.

A rhizomatous perennial herb. It is perhaps always spread by vegetative means, and as it is normally sterile.

Widespread, but most records seem to come from the north and west of Britain.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. In the 1979 Flora survey of Leicestershire it was found in 1 of the 617 tetrads.