Peppermint is the happy result of a cross between aquatic mint and spearmint; its square, reddish stalks may reach up to 1 m high, covered with oval leaves with dentated sides on the ends of well-defined stems over 4 mm in length. The leaves are petiolated, grow in pairs on either side of the stem, and are deep green. They are less lined than those of sweet mint and their flavour more pronounced.