Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the United Kingdom, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is commonly found in wetland habitats, including marshes, fens, riverbanks, pond margins, and ditches, across the UK.

Water Mint thrives in nutrient-rich, moist to wet soils, often favouring habitats with full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, making it adaptable to different wetland environments.

Predators of Water Mint include herbivores such as grazing mammals and insects, which may feed on its foliage. However, its aromatic leaves and the presence of secondary compounds often provide some protection from extensive browsing.

As a perennial plant, Water Mint can live for several years, forming dense mats of creeping stems and producing clusters of small purple to pink flowers in summer. It reproduces via seeds and also spreads vegetatively through rhizomes, allowing it to colonise and dominate suitable habitats.

Culturally, Water Mint has been valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. Its leaves have a strong minty flavour and are often used in teas, salads, and culinary dishes. Additionally, it has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat digestive issues and respiratory ailments.

An interesting fact about Water Mint is its importance as a habitat and food source for various species of insects, birds, and other wildlife. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for aquatic insects and amphibians.