American Corn Mint
Mentha canadensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like American Corn Mint and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.