How much sun does Spearmint need?

Spearmint grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Spearmint bloom?

Spearmint blooms in July and August.

Is Spearmint toxic to dogs?

Yes. Spearmint 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 Spearmint toxic to cats?

Yes. Spearmint 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.

Is Spearmint HOA-friendly?

Spearmint is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Spearmint

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mentha spicata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Spearmint is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). 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

12"–24" H × 18"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug

Native alternatives to Spearmint

Spearmint is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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A vigorous spreading perennial herb with aromatic leaves. It runs aggressively by underground stems and will take over a bed, so it is nearly always grown in a container.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spearmint is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.

Spreads aggressively by runners; grow in a container to contain it.

Wildlife value

Grown as an ornamental. Non-native plants support far fewer local insects than a native of similar size, so treat this as garden interest rather than habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Spearmint need?: Spearmint grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Spearmint bloom?: Spearmint blooms in July and August.
Is Spearmint toxic to dogs?: Yes. Spearmint 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 Spearmint toxic to cats?: Yes. Spearmint 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.
Is Spearmint HOA-friendly?: Spearmint is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Spearmint and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

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