Photographs: the Gearagh, Co. Cork

Whorled Mint Mentha x verticillata (Mentha aquatica x arvensis) Mismín burla Family: Lamiaceae Flowering time: July-October. Perennial. Native. Natural hybrid between Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Corn Mint (Mentha arvensis) Whorls of mauve flowers, the stamens NOT projecting, either flowers or leaves at apex. Calyx hairy with narrow-triangular teeth. A stronger, taller plant than Corn Mint with stalked, toothed, hairy leaves. Sterile hybrid, spreading vegetatively by underground rhizomes. Height to 90cm The most frequent hybrid Mint. Prefers slightly drier ground than Water Mint on damp grassland and river banks. Confirmed by Paul Green

Whorled Mint, Mentha x verticillata, Mismín burla