
MINT FAMILY 390 
The plants grow 4-12 in. tall and are widely distributed as a common 
weed in low ground and wet places, at 4000-8000 ft. Where trouble- 
some as a weed, the Brook Mint can be readily exterminated by 
thorough cultivation and dragging the soil. It is used to some extent 
in medicine, and the Klamath Indians make a tea from the leaves. 
Other mints, such as Peppermint, Spearmint, etc. are among the most 
highly valued aromatics. 
Horse MINT MOoONARDA FISTULOSA 
Plate 24, fig. 4 
The pink to rose-purple flowers of the Horse Mint form roundish 
heads at the tips of stiff stems 3-4 ft. tall. The plants grow in dense 
clusters in grassy meadows, thickets and on mountain-sides at 3000- 
9000 ft. The flowers bloom in midsummer and are worth cultivat- 
ing in the garden. The common name refers to the tall or coarse 
stems. 
BLuE SAGE’ SALVIA PITCHERI 
Plate 24, fig. 5 
The slender stems of the Blue Sage grow 2-6 ft. tall and bear blue 
or bluish blossoms in terminal spikes. They bloom from midsum- 
mer to fall on prairies at 3000-7000 ft. The Red Sage of gardens is a 
near relative of the Blue Sage, which well deserves cultivation also. 
Some of the sages are used for making a tea or tonic. 
MarsH MINT STACHYS PALUSTRIS 
Plate 24, fig. 6 
The purplish or reddish blossoms of the Marsh Mint are clustered 
in the axils of leaves on stems 1-3 ft. high. They bloom in midsum- 
mer and are found on moist banks across the continent at 4000-8500 
ft. The Marsh Mint is sometimes called “\Woundwort” on account of 
its formerly great reputation for healing wounds. Its surgical value 
may be doubted, though it certainly is somewhat astringent. It is 
useful, however, because of its edible roots. These are tuberous and 
