Mentha ×smithiana
Redstem mint, Redstem Mint
(c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Perennial · Not Native
Mentha ×smithiana (Redstem mint) is a non-native California perennial in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by Co-occurs with 10 other mint species; restricted to coastal low elevations with axillary flowers.
Redstem mint is a naturalized perennial found in coastal regions including northern California Coast, central California Coast, southern California Coast, northern Channel Islands, and Transverse Ranges in moist fields and disturbed areas at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces white to pink or violet flowers in compact clusters with delicate, subtle coloration. Growing with ascending stems 30 to 100 centimeters tall that are generally smooth and green to reddish, it spreads readily in moist environments. Its leaves are ovate to lance-shaped, 2.5 to 8 centimeters long, with serrated edges and tapered bases, showing a bright green color with subtle texture variations. The plant is a hybrid mint with multiple chromosome configurations, contributing to its adaptability in disturbed habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 10 other mint species; restricted to coastal low elevations with axillary flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist places, fields
Elevation: < 300 m
Outside California: to Canada, eastern United States, native to Europe, naturalized from cultivation
Bloom period
Mentha ×smithiana blooms Jul-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Monardella: Monardella has one pom-pom head per stem; Mentha has multiple clusters stacked at intervals up the stem.; vs Salvia: Sage has flowers in an elongated terminal spike; Mentha has clusters distributed along the stem at leaf joints.; vs Stachys: Hedge-nettle has larger flowers and lacks the classic mint smell; Mentha is aromatic with smaller flowers.; vs Melissa: Lemon balm has flowers all on one side of the stem; Mentha's clusters encircle the stem evenly.; vs Clinopodium: Clinopodium has tiny flowers (pencil-eraser size); Mentha's flowers are noticeably larger and more visible.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mentha ×smithiana native to California?
No. Mentha ×smithiana is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Mentha ×smithiana bloom?
Mentha ×smithiana blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Mentha ×smithiana belong to?
Mentha ×smithiana is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Mentha.
What habitat does Mentha ×smithiana grow in?
Mentha ×smithiana grows in Moist places, fields.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.