Hyptis alata
| Musky mint | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Hyptis |
| Species: | H. alata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hyptis alata | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Hyptis alata, the musky mint or clustered bushmint, is a shrub species of flowering plant in the Lamiaceae, the mint family. The genus Hyptis is commonly known as the bushmints.[2] Hyptis alata is the southeastern United States analog to the Southwestern deserts H. emoryi, the desert lavender.[3]USDA: NRCS: Plants Profile Hyptis alata
- Varieties[1]
- Hyptis alata subsp. alata - United States and Cuba
- Hyptis alata subsp. rugosula (Briq.) Harley - South America
Description
H. alata can reach up to 4 feet in height and possesses round flower heads. Its leaves are simple and lanceolate in shape. They have serrated leaf margins. Individuals give off a musky mint scent, the origin of its common name.[4]
Distribution and Habitat
This species' native range extends throughout the southeastern United States from Texas to North Carolina, as well as in Cuba, Argentina, southern Brazil, and Paraguay.[1][5]
It is found in wetlands, prairies, pond margins and wet flatwoods.
References
- ^ a b c Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ^ "Clustered bushmint (Hyptis alata)_EOL".
- ^ Photo-Flowers, close-up; Article & photo gallery Archived 2008-02-20 at the Wayback Machine - "Aquatic, Wetland, and Invasive Plants–Hyptis alata"
- ^ "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
- ^ Biota of North America Program 2013 county distribution map
