Water Mint
Mentha aquatica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Water Mint is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
NE
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, wasps
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Water mint is an aromatic perennial herb that thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and partial shade. It produces small purple flowers in summer and has a strong minty fragrance when leaves are crushed. This plant spreads readily and is best suited for rain gardens or pond edges where its water requirements can be met.
In an HOA neighborhood
Water Mint takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Aggressive spreader that can become invasive
- Requires constant moisture which is difficult to maintain in typical landscapes
- Can look unkempt as it spreads and dies back
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. The dense foliage also provides shelter for small wildlife in wetland areas.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Water Mint and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.