Plant Details

Mentha x piperita officinalis

White Peppermint

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Mentha x piperita officinalis.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • White Peppermint
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Pepermunt
French
  • Menthe poivrée blanche
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Mentha x piperita officinalis
Taxonomic placement (Kew): Mentha × piperita View name reference ↗

This record retains the officinalis / white-peppermint identity within the broader hybrid.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Lamiaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Mentha (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: White Peppermint

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 3-7
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Condiment, Tea
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(5)
Functions:
Essential oil, Repellent, Bee forage, Fragrant

Description

The leaves of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked and have a subtle peppermint flavor. They are often added as a seasoning in salads, warm dishes, and can even be used to make a refreshing herbal tea. Furthermore, essential oil can be extracted from the leaves and flowers, which is used as a flavoring in various products such as candy, ice cream, and beverages.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/07
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Mentha × piperita var. officinalis W.D.J.Koch, name ID 477427, row 440553; Mentha × piperita var. officinalis Sole, name ID 342465, row 1053908; Mentha × piperita L., name ID 125188, row 1053909
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 90283; name ID 124319; Mentha L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.