Water Mint

Water Mint has aromatic, hairy, oval, toothed leaves that are in pairs around its reddish stems. It produces dense clusters of lilac flowers, with protruding stamens at the tips of its stems.

Water Mint grows in the margins of rivers, streams, canals, wet agricultural land, grassland, drainage ditches, marshes and fens. It flowers from early July through until late October. The flowers attract a variety of butterflies, including Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma. It uses creeping runners to spread.

Its leaves can be used in the same way as other mints, as flavouring in cooking and drinks.

In the Middle Ages Water Mint plants were placed on the floors of banqueting halls so that as guests came in a strong aromatic smell of mint would be released as it was crushed under foot.

Common throughout Britain except in the Scottish Highlands.