13 Plants that Look Like Mint But Are Not

Mint has a distinctive leaf pattern, and many specimens share similar foliage traits with the herb in question!

Botanical Name: Pycnanthemum pilosum

What makes Hairy Mountain Mint unique are its hairy leaves with a peppery aroma, distinguishing it from Mint.

Botanical Name: Galeopsis tetrahit

Hemp nettle resembles Mint in appearance but is known for its unpleasant smell and is considered an agricultural weed.

Botanical Name: Lamium spp.

Dead Nettle belongs to the Lamiaceae family and can be differentiated by its lack of minty flavor, hairy stems, and unique aroma.

Botanical Name: Melissa axillaris

As the name suggests, Small-flowered Melissa has tiny flowers, typically purple or pink, and with a less noticeable smell, whereas mint blooms are commonly white or lavender.

Botanical Name: Lamium amplexicaule

Henmit, commonly known as giraffe head, belongs to the mint family but can be distinguished by its distinct smell and leaf shape variations

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica

This plant has stinging hairs called trichomes, which cause a burning sensation upon contact – a feature absent in Mint!

Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin Benth.

Patchouli is known for its musky scent, which is used in perfumery. Its leaves are similar to Mint but differ significantly in use and aroma.

Botanical Name: Micromeria viminea

Jamaican Mint is similar to true mints in its appearance with rounded, green leaves and aromatic scent, but it lacks the intense menthol characteristic.

Botanical Name: Mentha satureioides

Bush mint has an aromatic scent with distinct notes like licorice or camphor, lacking the menthol trait that defines authentic Mint.

Botanical Name: Agastache rugosa

Korean Mint shares a minty flavor but has an anise-like taste and particular culinary