->Mentha aquatica

Traits:

• found in Europe, southwest Asia, northwest Africa;
• very hardy perennial plant, habitat in swamps, river and lake shores or in zones with a lot of moisture;
• blooms from beginning of summer until frost;
• flowers have a light pink color;
• extremely invasive through surface runners;
• readily hybridizes with other mint species;
• parent of: Pepper mint(Mentha piperita), Red mint(Mentha smithiana);

Chemotype: in most cases mainly menthofuran(smells like gas/fuel) which is toxic and some other minor components; some varieties found in nature don't have menthofuran in a high percent and smell different from that pungent gas/fuel touch.

Subspecies/Cultivars:

• Mentha aquatica var. citrata (Ginger mint, Lavender mint, Orange mint, Lime mint, Eau de Cologne mint, Lemon mint) - has oils composed of linalool and linalyl acetate which give a floral citrus aroma;

 Mentha aquatica in early spring