Botany - Peppermint

Scientific name Mentha × piperita
Appearance Perennial herbaceous plant, square stem, dark green oval serrated leaves, slightly purplish, small mauve flowers grouped in terminal spikes
Smell Fresh, intense, very mentholated with sharp and camphoraceous notes
Color Dark green (leaves), pale violet to mauve (flowers)
Used parts Fresh or dried leaves, flowering tops, essential oil
Origins Natural hybrid between Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata; cultivated in Europe, Asia, and North America
Toxicity level Moderate (essential oil to avoid in young children and prolonged unsupervised use)