Plant
Watermint
Mentha aquaticaAlso known as Water Mint, Marsh Mint
Watermint thrives along shallow streams, pond margins, and wet marshes, producing square reddish stems topped by dense, globe-like clusters of pale purple blossoms. Spreading vigorously through submerged runners and creeping stolons, dense colonies help stabilize saturated shorelines and filter runoff. The crushed foliage releases a pungent, sweet menthol perfume that discourages most grazing mammals while the nectar feeds dozens of wetland pollinators.
WetlandAromaticPerennial
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
- Mint Leaf Beetle
- Green Mint Aphid
- Mallard
ThreatsWetland drainage, canalization of waterways, and agricultural pollution
HabitatsMarshes, fens, stream banks, lake shores, and wet ditches
Life spanPerennial
Classification
- OrderLamiales
- FamilyLamiaceae
- GenusMentha
- SpeciesMentha aquatica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Identification Clue: Look for terminal, ball-like clusters of lilac flowers rather than interrupted whorls along the stem.
- Aroma Check: Gently brush the leaves with your fingertips to verify the strong peppermint scent.
- Pollinator Spotting: Inspect flowering heads during warm summer afternoons to observe visiting hoverflies and solitary bees.
Natural Hybrid Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
Hybrid Partner (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Herbivore (c) zebedeugalinha, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Companion no rights reserved, uploaded by Piermario Maculan · cc0
Close Relative Ivar Leidus / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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