River mint
Mentha australis
Australia's own mint, sweet and strong, for tea and lamb; likes damp ground.
Hardiness: zones 7 to 11
Light: part shade
Size: about 1.5 ft tall, 2 ft wide
Harvest: year-round
From: Eastern Australia
Here: Hardy in the Lake Erie shore climate (zone 6b to 7a), so it can live outdoors in the ground.
Good for: food, pollinators.
Native to: Australia. Hardy in zones 7 to 11.
The story
River mint grows along creeks across eastern Australia and was used by Aboriginal peoples as a flavouring and a cold remedy; early colonists used it in place of European mint, and bush-food cooks pair it with lamb and native fruit.
Planting
Part shade, moist soil; plant in spring in a pot or a damp corner. It spreads by runners like other mints.
Growing
Keep moist, cut back after flowering, and contain it. It tolerates frost and heat if damp.
Harvest and use
Pick leaves any time; peppermint-like, good in tea, sauces and desserts.
What to watch for
Its spread; drought.
See if River mint fits your yard
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More perennial vegetables, greens and herbs
General guidance, not professional advice. Conditions vary by yard and year; for local specifics ask your county extension office. Never eat a wild plant you cannot identify with certainty. Traditional uses are shared as history, not medical advice. © 2026 Sean Priest · Irie Orchard. Terms & credits · Privacy · Home