Water Mint Mentha aquatica

This is the only common mint species which grows in wet habitats in Norfolk. The flowers vary from mauve/purple to pink, blue or lilac, and develop in clusters at the end of the square shaped stems. Leaves are arranged in pairs along the sometimes sprawling stems and are ovate with shallow blunt teeth. The stems will root at the nodes and creep along. The distinctive and refreshing minty aroma (not peppermint) if the plant is crushed underfoot is often what first draws attention to this species. The aroma is strongest when the leaves are rubbed or crushed.

As suggested by the name, water mint will thrive in wet areas usually in shallow margins of ponds, fens or reedbeds, growing rampantly across areas with its extensive root systems. The water mint can be seen on many wetland nature reserves including NWT Ranworth Broad and NWT Hickling Broad.

The water mint is most easily found in late spring or summer when in flower.

 

The Wildlife Trust
Nature Spot

Submit your water mint sightings to Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS).
Planting native water mint around garden ponds will help to attract butterflies such as the small tortoiseshell and peacock, as well as being the food source of the green tortoise beetle (Cassida viridis).