​Wild Mint, Field Mint, Corn Mint,Mentha arvensis,Mint Family (Lamiaceae)

Found in moist areas, ditches, stream sides
Seen blooming in July by Acequia de La Puente
This sweet flower is easy to miss amongst the grasses and sedges at water’s edge. Wild Mint grows from 6 to 18 inches tall with square stems. It has tiny lavender flowers growing in whorls where the upper leaves join the stem. The leaves are aromatic with a fresh minty flavor and are used to make tea and as an herb in various cuisines. According to Greek mythology, a beautiful nymph named Mentha was cursed by the goddess Persephone and turned into a Mint plant. Wild Mint has long been used as a folk remedy for a broad range of ailments, including gastrointestinal problems and sore throats. It has been found to have powerful antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant effects. Mint is used in food, drinks, indigestion aids, anti-inflammatories, cough medicines, creams, toothpaste, mouthwash, cigarettes, and more. An extensive list of uses can be found here.
​
If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website send a photo and where you took it to [email protected]. Read online for tips.