I love the cool taste of peppermint, but the plants themselves do not grow wild here in Tucson. Arizona is one of the few states where Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) has not been recorded.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) does grow wild here and can be found growing near streams in the mountains.

Spearmint can be recognized by its deeply-veined or crinkly-looking, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive minty smell. The dried leaves make a refreshing tea.

I found some wild Spearmint growing along a wash in the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site. This place used to be an old prison camp, and it is possible that this wild Spearmint originally came from their kitchen garden. I broke off a few stems of the wild Spearmint and kept them in a glass of water until they rooted. I then planted them in a pot, and I now have nice, fresh Spearmint whenever I need it.