They come in all shapes, sizes and flavors. An easy way to classify them is to divide them by the essential oil they contain. The two main categories are the menthol containing peppermints and the carvone scented spearmints. A hybrid between M. aquatica and M. spicata , peppermint cannot be grown from seed. It is a vigorous grower with a strong mint flavor.
Many specific varieties exist with an assortment of appearances and scents.
The common form grows from 12 to 30 inches high and has spikes of pinkish or lavender flowers. It tends to have a creeping appearance and elongated leaves that end in a point. This useful mint will add an extra sensory delight when infused into coffee or hot chocolate. Whirl a handful with a cup of sugar and use when making vanilla cake or ice cream. The plant tends to creep along the ground rather than grow upward and can be quite aggressive.