Key Facts
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Water Mint prefers damp habitats and grows in water, making it a good choice for wildlife ponds and bog gardens.
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Their leaves are very aromatic and can be used in cooking. Its leaves can be used in the same way as other mints, flavouring foods and drinks.
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There are about 14 or 15 species or hybrids of mint growing in the UK.
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Water Mint is very attractive to a variety of insects, including Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma butterflies, as well as the Green Tortoise Beetle.
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Water Mint has hairy, oval, toothed leaves that appear in whorls around the reddish stems. It produces dense clusters of lilac-pink flowers at the ends of its stems.
Did You Know
Water Mint has both culinary and medical uses. Water Mint tea is considered to be effective in settling upset stomachs and to be a mild sedative; and in the Middle Ages Water Mint plants were strewn on the floors of banqueting halls so that as guests came in odours of mint would be released.