water mint
Latin name: Mentha aquatica
Family: Lamiaceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: July to October
Height: to 50cm
Growing conditions: along the river
Nectar source for: many insects including small tortoiseshell, peacock and comma butterflies, and the green tortoise beetle.
Food source for:
Description
There are about 14 or 15 species or hybrids of mint growing in the UK, most of which have very aromatic leaves. Water Mint prefers damp habitats and grows in water. Its leaves can be used in the same way as other mints, flavouring cooking and drinks. It spreads vigorously using its creeping runners.
How to identify: Water mint has hairy, oval, toothed leaves that appear in whorls around the reddish stems. It produces dense clusters of lilac-pink flowers at the ends of its stems.
How to propagate:
Family: Lamiaceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: July to October
Height: to 50cm
Growing conditions: along the river
Nectar source for: many insects including small tortoiseshell, peacock and comma butterflies, and the green tortoise beetle.
Food source for:
Description
There are about 14 or 15 species or hybrids of mint growing in the UK, most of which have very aromatic leaves. Water Mint prefers damp habitats and grows in water. Its leaves can be used in the same way as other mints, flavouring cooking and drinks. It spreads vigorously using its creeping runners.
How to identify: Water mint has hairy, oval, toothed leaves that appear in whorls around the reddish stems. It produces dense clusters of lilac-pink flowers at the ends of its stems.
How to propagate: