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American Corn Mint

Mentha canadensis

Last reviewed: July 2026

American Corn Mint (Mentha canadensis)
Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair

American Corn Mint is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 40 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and Range

American corn mint is a native perennial herb that spreads by underground runners to form colonies. It produces small clusters of purple-pink flowers from summer into early fall and releases a pleasant minty fragrance when brushed or crushed. The plant thrives in consistently moist soils and partial shade conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Corn Mint takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Spreads aggressively by runners
  • Can appear weedy and unkempt
  • May overtake other plantings

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies. The dense foliage provides shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does American Corn Mint need?
American Corn Mint grows best in part sun conditions.
When does American Corn Mint bloom?
American Corn Mint blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is American Corn Mint native?
American Corn Mint (Mentha canadensis) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is American Corn Mint toxic to dogs?
Yes. American Corn Mint is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is American Corn Mint toxic to cats?
Yes. American Corn Mint is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does American Corn Mint attract?
American Corn Mint draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is American Corn Mint HOA-friendly?
American Corn Mint takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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