Peppermint

Mentha x piperita

Herb
Perennial
Spreads aggressively

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

leaves, flowers

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

essential oils (low severity)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA lists mint (Mentha sp., whole-genus) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils. Clinical signs: vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions. NC State also tags it as a problem for cats, dogs and horses. Keep it away from dogs and cats.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Plants that share its name. To tell them apart: Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a hybrid of watermint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata). NC State lists spearmint (Mentha spicata) as a plant it is often confused with. ASPCA's page covers mint at genus level..

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA hardiness zones 5a to 9b (US system).
Mature size: Height 1-3 ft; width 1-2 ft. Spacing: NC State: if planting in the ground, space plants 18 inches apart; available space to plant 12 inches to 3 feet.
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Where it comes from: Europe and the Middle East (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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