Spearmint, also known as Silver Mint and Our Lady's Mint, is a perennial, creeping herb native to Eurasia and now naturalized in many other places. It’s common name refers to the spear-shaped leaves that taper to a sharp point.

In Greek mythology, the goddess Persephone, jealous of Pluto's affection for the nymph Minthe, transformed Minthe into the spearmint plant. Pluto, unable to return the lovely nymph to her original form, ensured her that, at least, her fragrance would be enjoyed by all as a pleasant aroma, arising each time it was walked upon. In further consolation, the gods maintained special fields of mint just for bees to enjoy their sweet honey.

Spearmint owes its aroma to a compound known as R-(–)-carvone, and its flavor to trace amounts of menthol. The latter also lends flavor to cocktails like the mint julip, southern sweet tea and toothpaste.