Common Name: Mintweed

General Information

Salvia reflexa is an annual plant that can grow up to 0.75 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
Salvia reflexa has become naturalized in many areas outside its native range. It is a declared noxious weed in certain parts of Australia[].

Known Hazards

The plant is reported to be toxic to cattle, possibly through nitrate poisoning[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central and southern N. America - Montana to Wisconsin, south to Arizona and Texas to northern and central Mexico

Habitat

Dry open soils from Wisconsin to Montana and south to Texas[]. Mainly found on flood plains in grey cracking clays in eastern Australia[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.75 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position[]. Prefers a rich soil[]. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet[].
An extremely aromatic plant, with a mint-like aroma[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

The seeds are used in the preparation of a refreshing drink[, , ].

The following notes apply to S. hispanica, they are probably also appropriate for this species[].

When soaked in water the seeds form a gelatinous mass which is flavoured with fruit juices and consumed as a cooling drink[, ]. The gelled seeds can also be prepared as a gruel or pudding[].
The sprouted seeds are eaten in salads, sandwiches, soups, stews etc[]. Due to their mucilaginous property they are often sprouted on clay or other porous materials[].
The seed can be ground into a meal and made into bread, biscuits, cakes etc[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a greenhouse. The seedlings dislike root disturbance, so prick them out carefully into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seed can also be sown in situ during mid spring, though this sowing might not mature its seed in a cool summer[].