Plants Belonging To Lamiaceae

If you come across a plant with a squarish stem and opposite leaves you most likely have a member of the wide ranging mint family. The Lamiaceae (formally Labiatae) family has about 180 genera and some 3,500 species, about 50 of which are present here in North America. ^{Elpel, Thomas J.} It would be entirely possible to have a well stocked kitchen for the most demanding of chefs using only these plants; our cupboards would indeed be bare without them as many of our most favorite culinary herbs are represented; Rosemary, Sage and Lavender, Oregano and Basil, Thyme and Savory. Bitter mints are well represented by motherwort, hyssop and horehound. This plant family is a rich source of aromatherapy oils and medicinal oils including menthol.