Water Mint (Mentha aquatica)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Mentha aquatica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in salads or cooked foods. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; A strong distinctive peppermint-like fragrance.; Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods.; The leaves are too pungent for most people to use as a flavouring.

Habitat & North American Range

Swamps, fen, marshes, near rivers, streams and ponds, in wet woods. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)