Mentha aquatica, commonly known as water mint, is a perennial rhizomatous herb native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia, particularly thriving in wetlands, alongside streams, rivers, and in damp meadows. It typically grows up to 35 inches tall and spreads vigorously by rhizomes. Water mint features square stems, ovate to lanceolate leaves, and dense clusters of tiny, lilac to pinkish-purple tubular flowers that bloom in the summer and are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Water mint is valued for its aromatic foliage and flowers, which can be used for culinary purposes, such as flavoring dishes and herbal teas, and for its medicinal properties, including its use as a digestive aid and potential anti-inflammatory effects. It is often planted in water gardens, around ponds, and in naturalistic wetland plantings. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade, consistently moist to wet soils, and can tolerate poor drainage. While it can be a beautiful and beneficial addition to the garden, it is important to manage its spread to prevent it from becoming invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0