Mentha aquatica L.
Aromatic Thyme
Water mint is a strongly aromatic native perennial of the mint family, releasing a clean, minty scent when its toothed leaves are crushed. It spreads by creeping rhizomes to form patches, sending up reddish square stems often 30–90cm tall and topped, from midsummer into autumn, by rounded heads of tightly packed lilac to mauve flowers.
About
Water mint is a strongly aromatic native perennial of the mint family, releasing a clean, minty scent when its toothed leaves are crushed. It spreads by creeping rhizomes to form patches, sending up reddish square stems often 30–90cm tall and topped, from midsummer into autumn, by rounded heads of tightly packed lilac to mauve flowers.
As its name suggests, it is a plant of wet ground, growing along the margins of ponds, ditches, streams, marshes, fens and wet meadows in full sun or dappled shade, and tolerating shallow standing water. The dense flowerheads are among the best of all native plants for pollinators, drawing in bees, hoverflies, butterflies and many other insects. It is an excellent choice for pond edges, rain gardens, bog gardens and wetland and wildlife seed mixes, though its vigorous spread is best given room.
Also known as
Mint · Water Mint · bergamot mint · lemon mint
Synonyms
Marrubium aquaticum · Mentha acuta · Mentha acutata · Mentha adspersa · Mentha affinis · Mentha aquatica ambigua · Mentha aquatica aquatica · Mentha aquatica aradensis · Mentha aquatica brachiata · Mentha aquatica cana · Mentha aquatica caput-medusae
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.