The family name explains the confusion
Basil is a member of Lamiaceae, commonly called the mint family. That family also contains several other culinary herbs. Saying basil belongs to the mint family is correct; saying it is the same plant as spearmint is not. A family groups related plants at a broader level than an individual species. [1]
The scientific names distinguish them
Common culinary basil is Ocimum basilicum. Spearmint is Mentha spicata, and peppermint is Mentha × piperita. The first word identifies the genus: Ocimum differs from Mentha. Iowa State Extension also describes basil as an annual and these mints as spreading perennials, a practical distinction for a garden bed. Those growing habits are more useful than expecting all mint-family herbs to behave alike. [2]
Interpreting a hypothetical nursery label
If a basil label says mint family, read that as a relationship rather than a substitute species name. Record both the common name and the full botanical name when comparing plants. A recipe or plant order that specifically calls for basil should not be interpreted as asking for any Lamiaceae herb. The family membership does not establish identical flavor or identical uses. [2][1]
| Herb | Botanical name |
|---|---|
| Culinary basil | Ocimum basilicum |
| Spearmint | Mentha spicata |
| Peppermint | Mentha × piperita |
Sources for this article
- Growing herbs in home gardens | UMN Extension
Source consulted: 2026-09-20. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product. - What herbs are best to grow in Iowa? | Yard and Garden
Source consulted: 2026-09-20. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product.