Help ID'ing HErb

17 years ago

I recieved some seeds in a trade that were labeled as Mint 'Lemon'....after growing them out I am not so sure that they are what the label said they are. They have the same growth habit as a mint ie. square stem ...but the aroma and taste is more like a spicy oregano(with a tiny after tingle that has me a little concerned). I am hoping someone can help me figure out what I have (no member name on the original package and I can't for the life of me remember who sent it so I can't track it down that way LOL)

Thanks for any help!

Donna :)

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Comments (3)

fatamorgana2121
17 years ago
Monarda citriodora is sometimes called "lemon mint" as well as a whole host of other names: Lemon beebalm, Horsemint, Purple horsemint, Plains horsemint, Lemon horsemint. It's a possibility. Compare and see what you think.

FataMorgana
sunnyk
Original Author
17 years ago
Boy afgter googling that 'Monarda citriodora', it sure looks like what I have, but every site mentions the foliage smelling strongly of citrus when crushed....and mine smells just like a fine oregano LOL....maybe I have something new going on here!! Thanks for id'ing it for me :)
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francescod
17 years ago
Monarda citriodora has a couple of subspecies. M. citriodora subsp. citriodora has more of lemon/citrus aroma. M. citriodora subsp. austromontana, native to the southwest and western Mexico is sometimes called oregano and is used as a substitute for oregano or thyme. Both subspecies are high in thymol. M. fistulosa is also a good oregano substitute- it has a very spicy oregano flavor.