if i would be using such for medicine.. i would be buying a named variety from a professional... rather than finding it in a ditch.. and hoping some stranger IDs it properly ...

ken

I would appreciate helpful responses, not snide and condescending remarks. Obviously, I need to revise my posting to avoid such commentary.

I am not familiar with the mint species escaped in your area. Around here it would fit the description of Mentha x piperita (purple stem, growing in moving water), but it is easier to tell when they are in flower. Most true mint (Mentha spp.) are edible, however I know of at least one that is toxic in quantity (Mentha pulegium).

Looks like the mint I found growing wild at the edge of running water today here in Western NY State. Very minty and pleasant!

It is very good advice to come back for an id when the plant is blooming and/or the foliage is more mature. Early spring identification can be tough because young plants and leaves don't always have the same appearance as the mature ones.

FataMorgana

Thank you for your responses. You've given me a good starting point. I'll look into mentha x piperita and be sure to come back after they've flowered and/or the leaves are more mature.