Corsican Mint

Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) is a tiny, moss-like mint that hugs the ground in a dense mat of leaves smaller than a fingernail, releasing a strong peppermint scent underfoot. Too delicate and diminutive for regular culinary harvest, it's grown almost entirely as a fragrant ground cover.

Growing Corsican Mint

Corsican mint needs consistent moisture and a bit of shade to thrive, and it's far more delicate than its larger mint relatives — foot traffic is fine in light amounts, but heavy use will thin it out. It's ideal for tucking between stepping stones or pavers, where brushing past releases its fragrance, and it spreads slowly to fill in gaps over time rather than aggressively taking over a whole bed.

Uses

Corsican mint is prized almost entirely as a fragrant, ornamental ground cover rather than a cooking herb — its leaves are simply too small and sparse to harvest practically. Historically it's been used in tiny amounts to flavor crème de menthe, but for home gardeners it's best appreciated underfoot.