Habitat & Adaptation
Peppermint can be found over much of the world; indigenous to Europe and Asia, it has been naturalized in North America. In the United States Mentha x piperita can be found practically everywhere, however; it is commonly found near streams and other wet areas. Following is a map of the distribution of peppermint in the United States and Canada. If you would like to see where peppermint is found in your state/territory just click on the picture and then on your state/territory!
Mentha x piperita can survive in just about any condition in any location. All this plant needs is water and good drainage. In warm climates peppermint can grow in partial shade or full sun. These are the conditions for Hardiness Zone 4-9 (click here for more information about Hardiness). This particular plant can colonize an entire flower bed, which is why most people choose to control the growth by confining it to a pot/container. It is recommended to move a peppermint plant to a new place periodically because they have a tendency to swindle if kept in one spot too long. Mentha x piperita needs more water than any of the other Mentha sps. especially when it is grown in full sun, where it's flavor and oil content will be higher. Check out Interesting Facts & Recipes or Organism Interaction for more information about peppermint oil.