When this plant was given to me I was told it was Thai basil. However it does not look like photos of Thai basil or any other basil on the web. It is aromatic-smells like basil- tastes somewhat like it. It has square stems, grows in sun or shade to about 1 foot high, has lilac flowers by August. It spreads easily and is perennial ( surprised me). photo enclosed. I want to be sure it is basil or at least edible before we eat any more of it... Thanks, saalann
Me too!f Salaan--I was given the same plant, up here in the Vancouver,BC area, under the description of "hardy basil". The folks said it was grown in the Chicago area and hardy there too. It quickly became obvious it was one of the many forms of mint...quick to spread all over the corner of the veggie garden it was put in. I don't mind a bit of it, but had to rototill the area and pull out everything I could to keep it in check...do you know about mint's weedlike tendency? I now call it "basil mint"...treat it accordingly! Not a bad herb, nice strong aroma... Glen
The square stems made me think of mint.... And yes I am aware of mint's agressive spreading--I keep those in pots. Maybe I should do the same with this. A friend of mine received some at the same time and had a portion of her garden taken over. I must say it is a beautiful plant though. It is tasty too! I needed to be sure it was edible. Thanks Glen, Saalann
