Downy Wood Mint

(Blephilia ciliata)

Downy Wood Mint (Blephilia ciliata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Blephilia ciliata, commonly known as Downy Wood Mint, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including dry open woods, forest clearings, prairies, thickets, fields, and roadsides primarily in the Eastern and Central United States. It typically grows to a height of 40 to 80 cm (15.5 to 31.5 inches). This plant features sessile, lightly toothed leaves that emit a mild fragrance when crushed. From May to August, Downy Wood Mint produces whorls of tubular flowers, with petal colors that can range from blue to purple or white, which are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Downy Wood Mint is valued for its ornamental flowers and ability to attract pollinators. It is often used in native plant gardens, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. It is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While it prefers well-drained soils, it can adapt to slow or medium drainage conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established and does not require high amounts of water. Downy Wood Mint can be used in herbal medicine, as historically done by the Cherokee, and it may also be used for culinary purposes, though it is not as commonly known for this as other mints. One potential problem is that it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions, so gardeners should monitor its growth to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2.5 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to a variety of habitats including dry open woods, forest clearings, prairies, thickets, fields, and roadsides

Other Names

Common Names: Ohio Horsemint, Downy Blephilia, Downy Pagoda Plant, Downy Pagoda-Plant, Downy Wood-Mint, Bléphilie Ciliée

Scientific Names: , Blephilia ciliata, Monarda ciliata, Blephilia ciliata f. ciliata, Blephilia beckii, Blephilia brevifolia, Blephilia heterophyla, Blephilia pratensis, Monarda beckii,

GBIF Accepted Name: Blephilia ciliata (L.) Raf. ex Benth.