Question: Hi! I wonder if you could help with the ID of this mint. I find them vexing, as there are …
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Question
Hi! I wonder if you could help with the ID of this mint. I find them vexing, as there are so many genera. Based mainly on flowers and leaves, I'm leaning toward Scutellaria, sp. Hoping to get it to species. Additionally, do you have any general tips for navigating this family, other than trying to follow the Dichotomous Key?
Answer
Dear chafeemonell, it looks like you have a species of Nepeta (catnip) in the Lamiaceae. The leaf shape and venation suggest this, along with the morphology of the corolla. If this were a Scutellaria, there would be a transverse ridge across the top of the calyx (sepals). I can't tell you which species for certain without additional images, such as straight on to the flower. Navigating family level taxonomy is difficult, but with practice you learn the features of these families. Of course, the multiple-access key on Go Botany can sometimes reduce things down to a family or two for you. Keep at it (and I'm happy to help whenever I can) and you will learn the plant families of the region.
