Pole mint is poisonous and must therefore not be taken internally. There is a risk of confusion with the non-toxic peppermint, which is very popular in this country. How to tell if you have poisonous polei mint or peppermint.
How do I recognize poisonous polei mint?
Pole mint is recognizable by its lilac-violet flowers, longer stamens than the flower and hairy flower throat. It rarely grows on moist, nutrient-rich and lime-poor soils and has a pungent minty smell. Be careful if you are unsure, as polei mint is poisonous.
Identify polemint by its flowers
- Flower color: purple-violet
- Flowering period: July to September
- Stamens longer than flowers
- Flower throat hairy
- Growth height: 10 – 30 cm
- Fragrance: sharp smell of mint
Most of the properties of polei mint also apply to non-toxic peppermint. The only differences that can be seen with the naked eye are the length of the stamens and the flower throat.
In Poleimint the stamens protrude beyond the flower, while in Peppermint they are the same length. The flower throat of polei mint has a slight hairiness that does not occur in peppermint.
Where does polei mint occur?
Pole mint is very rare. It grows mainly on moist soils near rivers and lakes.
Polei mint prefers soils that are poor in lime but are rich in nutrients. Larger occurrences of polei mint are only found in the Rhine-Danube region.
Determining clearly is not easy
The distinction between peppermint and polei mint is not that easy. The flowers and leaves of peppermint also change through crossbreeding with other types of mint. Sometimes it is no longer possible to determine which species it is, even after careful examination.
If you are not completely sure, it is better to leave such plants standing. Pole mint poisoning can cause serious problems.
Pole mint is no longer used as a medicinal plant
Because of its toxicity in all parts of the plant, polei mint no longer plays a role in today's natural medicine. In addition, recent research has shown that polei mint poison can damage the liver.
The herb used to be used to make tea, which was used for contraception and during abortions. The deaths caused by ingestion helped to recognize the plant's toxicity.
In small doses, polei mint may only be used as a spice.
Tip
Pole mint is an endangered species and is protected. There is therefore little fear that it will be confused with the common peppermint.
