Water Mint
Mentha aquatica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Water Mint is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, wasps
Native alternatives to Water Mint
Water Mint is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaWater 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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Water Mint need?
- Water Mint grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Water Mint bloom?
- Water Mint blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Is Water Mint toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Water Mint is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Water Mint toxic to cats?
- Yes. Water Mint is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Water Mint attract?
- Water Mint draws bees, butterflies, and wasps.
- Is Water Mint HOA-friendly?
- Water Mint takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Water Mint and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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