Water mint (Mentha aquatica)

Where?

Water mint is a plant from the mint genus and is found in large parts of Europe and Africa. It grows mainly on somewhat acidic, muddy soils, on moderately nitrogen-rich sites, on banks and ditches, in wet and boggy meadows and swamp forests. It can also grow underwater in depths up to 2 meters.

Appearance?

Water mint grows as a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches heights of 10 to 150 cm. The four-edged stem grows opposite, ovate leaves with toothed margins that grow between 2 to 8 cm long and 1 to 4 cm wide. The flowers are close above the upper leaf axils and form spherical inflorescences. The flowers have a light purple, pink or white coloration and consist of five leaves each up to 4mm long.

Special Features?

Very typical for the water mint is the smell of mint, which occurs especially when rubbing the leaves.