Photographs: Toon's Bridge, Co.Cork

Peppermint Mentha x piperita (Mentha aquatica x Mentha spicata) Lus an phiobar Family: Lamiaceae Flowering time: July-September. Perennial. Introduced. Hybrid between Water Mint, M. aquatica and Spearmint, M. spicata. Lilac-purple flowers in terminal spikes, the calyx tubes and the leaves almost hairless. Peppermint-scented, stalked leaves are oval-lanceolate and usually toothed. Erect, often reddish stems. A very variable plant, height to 90cm. An occasional garden escape on damp ground, streamsides and wet roadsides.

Peppermint, Mentha x piperita, Lus an phiobar