MINT FAMILY. 



231 



rennials, with spreading rjot-stocks and cymules (in tlie species mentioned 

 here) in terminal spikes. 



1. 31. vir'idis, L. Stem erect ; leaves oblong-lanceolate, subsessile ; 

 spikes terete, slender, elongated, tapering at summit, — the cymules 

 mostly distant. 



Gkeex Mentha. Spear-mint. Common Mint. 



Fr. Baume verte. Germ. Die Spitzmuenze. Span. Menta puntiaguda. 



Plant smootliish aad rather pale green. Stem 1-2 feet high, branching. Leaves 1 - 2 or 

 3 inches long, very acute, incised serrate. Spikes of cymules, often numerous, 2-4 inches 

 long. Corolla pale purple. 



Moist grounds, waste places, &c. : introduced. Native of Europe. Fl. July -August. 

 Fr. September. 



Obs. This pleasantly aromatic herb has been* so generally introduced 

 into all the older settlements of this country, that it is now very exten- 

 sively naturalized. It is deservedly popular as a domestic medicine, in 

 relieving nausea, &c., and it is the species employed in preparing that 

 most seductive beverage, known as '* Mint Julep." 



2. M. piperita, L. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, petiolate ; spikes cylindric, 

 rather short, obtuse, — the cymules loosely approximated. 



Peppery Mentha. Pepper-mint. 



Fr. La Menthe. Germ. Pfeffer-muenze. Span. Menta piperita. 



Plant smoothish and purplish. Stem 1-2 feet long, branching. Leaves 1-2 inches 

 long, more or less ovate and rounded at base, dark green, on petioles one-fourth to half an 

 inch in length, rather acute, serrate. Spikes of cymules half an inch to an inch or more 

 in length, terminal, solitary, — the cymules crowded, — except the lower pair which are 

 often a little distant. Corolla purple, larger than in the preceding species. 



Moist low grounds, gardens, &:c. : introduced. Native of Europe. Fl. August. Fr. 

 Sept. - October. 



Ohs. This most grateful aromatic is generally allowed a place in gar- 

 dens, or about houses, — and is apparently naturalized in many localities. 

 The essential, Oil, and distilled water, are woll known for their stomachic 

 properties, and deservedly held in high esteem. 



The plant is largely cultivated, especially in the State of New- York, 

 for the manufacture of the Oil of Peppermint, of which great quantities 

 are consumed by confectioners in flavoring candies, lozenges, &c., and by 

 druggists and liquor-dealers in preparing essences, cordials and the like. 

 Essence of Peppermint, a popular aromatic remedy for pains in the 

 stomach, &c., is a solution of the oil in alcohol, of a strength corres- 

 ponding to the price at which it is sold. Besides the species mentioned, 

 there i? another foreign one sparingly naturalized around old settlements 

 in Ohio and Pennsylvania, the Corn-mint, (M. arven'sis, L.,) which has 

 axillary cymules, and the stem hairy downwards ; its odor is remarkable, 

 and has been compared to that of decaying cheese. A native species, 

 M. Canaden'sis, L-, is common in wet grounds ; it has an odor much 

 like that of Pennyroyal. 



