Genus: Lycopus — water-horehound

Species of Lycopus look a bit like species of Mentha. However, Lycopus is not aromatic, while Mentha species have a strong mint or fruit scent. In addition, Lycopus has 2 stamens while Mentha has 4. The shape of the fruit segments also differs: flattened at the top in Lycopus and sometimes with a crest or tubercles; rounded in Mentha. Reference: Henderson (1962).

Family

Lamiaceae (mint family)

This genus’s species in New England

• Lycopus americanus
• Lycopus amplectens
• Lycopus asper
• Lycopus europaeus
• Lycopus rubellus
• Lycopus uniflorus
• Lycopus virginicus

Visit this genus in the Dichotomous Key

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