Peppermint, Mentha × piperita, is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata), native to Europe and the Middle East. As a herbaceous, rhizomatous perennial, it typically grows to a height of 12-35 inches, featuring smooth stems and dark green, toothed leaves. Peppermint is known for its highly aromatic leaves, which are widely used for their cooling, minty flavor in culinary applications and for their essential oils in aromatherapy and medicinal products. The plant produces small, purple flowers in terminal spikes from July to August, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

In cultivation, peppermint is valued for its ease of growth and maintenance, as well as its aromatic leaves, which can be harvested throughout the growing season. It is commonly used in herb gardens, as a fragrant ground cover, and for naturalizing in moist areas. Peppermint prefers full sun to part shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It requires regular watering, especially in dry conditions. Gardeners should be aware that peppermint can be quite aggressive, spreading through its underground runners, and may become invasive if not contained. It is susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions. To prevent its spread, it is often recommended to plant peppermint in containers or confined spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0