How to Identify Lamiaceae — Mint Family

Lamiaceae (Mint Family) is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Lamiales, class Magnoliopsida. The family contains 864 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.

Key Identification Features

For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.

Representative Lamiaceae Species

How to identify Prostanthera spinosa F.Muell.

Prostanthera spinosa F.Muell.

Prostanthera spinosa F.Muell.

Prostanthera spinosa (spiny mintbush) is a small spiny shrub with pale mauve to …

How to identify Galeopsis bifida Boenn.

Galeopsis bifida Boenn.

Galeopsis bifida Boenn.

Galeopsis bifida (splitlip hempnettle) is an introduced herb growing in disturbe…

How to identify Pycnanthemum flexuosum (Walter) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.

Pycnanthemum flexuosum (Walter) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.

Pycnanthemum flexuosum (Walter) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.

Pycnanthemum flexuosum is a canescent flowering mint found across the southeaste…

How to identify Clerodendrum tomentosum (Vent.) R.Br.

Clerodendrum tomentosum (Vent.) R.Br.

Clerodendrum tomentosum (Vent.) R.Br.

Clerodendrum tomentosum is an Australian shrub or small tree grown in native gar…

How to identify Salvia reptans Jacq.

Salvia reptans Jacq.

Salvia reptans Jacq.

Salvia reptans Jacq. is a herbaceous perennial sage native to parts of the US, M…

How to identify Lavandula stoechas L.

Lavandula stoechas L.

Lavandula stoechas L.

Lavandula stoechas L. is an evergreen lavender shrub grown in cultivation and us…

How to identify Salvia carduacea Benth.

Salvia carduacea Benth.

Salvia carduacea Benth.

Salvia carduacea (thistle sage) is a pungent-scented annual herb native to Calif…

How to identify Clinopodium brownei (Sw.) Kuntze

Clinopodium brownei (Sw.) Kuntze

Clinopodium brownei (Sw.) Kuntze

Browne's savory (Clinopodium brownei) is a pubescent perennial herb found across…

How to identify Salvia cuspidata Ruiz & Pav.

Salvia cuspidata Ruiz & Pav.

Salvia cuspidata Ruiz & Pav.

Salvia cuspidata is a perennial Lamiaceae shrub native to the Andes, with a rece…

How to identify Meehania cordata (Nutt.) Britton

Meehania cordata (Nutt.) Britton

Meehania cordata (Nutt.) Britton

Meehania cordata is a low stoloniferous herb species in genus Meehania, native t…

How to identify Salvia spathacea Greene

Salvia spathacea Greene

Salvia spathacea Greene

Salvia spathacea, also called pitcher sage, is a California aromatic evergreen p…

How to identify Salvia karwinskii Benth.

Salvia karwinskii Benth.

Salvia karwinskii Benth.

Salvia karwinskii, Karwinski's sage, is a native Central American perennial shru…

Browse all 864 Lamiaceae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Lamiaceae?

Lamiaceae plants belong to the Lamiales order in the Plantae kingdom. The corolla is blackish-violet, up to 8 mm long, and forms an indistinct two-lipped shape. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Lamiaceae?

Lamiaceae is classified in the order Lamiales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. Its woolly white basal leaves, which feature long spines, resemble the leaves of a thistle.

⚠️ Are any Lamiaceae species poisonous?

Yes, some Lamiaceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Lamiaceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

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