peppermint, Mentha x piperita

Peppermint is another welcome trail side nibble. Trail side? You might get your feet wet getting to this one. That's Lake Michigan in the background of this one, and it does like shores and other damp places. But this sharpest of mint flavors is worth it. Several varieties of menthol contribute to that flavor. Pepper's parents come from Eurasia, and have spread their offspring to every state except AZ, HI, ND, NM, and SD, and to BC, NB, NS, ON, PE, and QC. Does the fact that these hybrid offspring were conceived here make them native? USDA says it does! Leelanau Co MI, 9/17/13.