Mountain Coyote Mint
(Monardella odoratissima)
Mountain Coyote Mint (Monardella odoratissima)
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Jim Morefield
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Jim Morefield
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jim Morefield | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Jim Morefield | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Monardella odoratissima, commonly known as Mountain Coyote Mint, is a semi-deciduous perennial subshrub or herb native to open woodlands, chaparral, and dry slopes in the Western United States, often associated with pine forests. It typically grows upright to sprawling and can become woody at the base, ranging from 30 centimeters to one meter (3 feet) in height and equally wide. The foliage varies from smooth dark green to a hairy dark grey-green, with many gradations in between, and is dotted with glands that release a strongly minty odor when touched. The flowers, ranging in color from white and pale pink to light bluish-purple, form a head 10 to 25 mm wide, with leaf-like outer bracts and cup-enclosing inner bracts. They bloom profusely from April through August and are highly attractive to butterflies, their main pollinators.
Mountain Coyote Mint is valued for its aromatic foliage and long flowering season, making it a delightful addition to butterfly gardens, native plant landscapes, and herb gardens. It is easy to grow and maintain, tolerating a range of conditions from full sun to medium shade. While it prefers low to medium water and well-drained soils, it is adaptable to various soil types. Pruning in late fall or early winter encourages a bushier growth habit. Potential problems include root rot in poorly drained soils and mildew in humid conditions. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should monitor for spread in optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Coyote Mint is valued for its aromatic foliage and long flowering season, making it a delightful addition to butterfly gardens, native plant landscapes, and herb gardens. It is easy to grow and maintain, tolerating a range of conditions from full sun to medium shade. While it prefers low to medium water and well-drained soils, it is adaptable to various soil types. Pruning in late fall or early winter encourages a bushier growth habit. Potential problems include root rot in poorly drained soils and mildew in humid conditions. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should monitor for spread in optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 0.9-1 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: White, Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Fall, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, chaparral, and dry slopes associated with pine forests
Other Names
Common Names: Alpine Mountainbalm, Mountain Bee Balm, Mountain Monardella, Mountain Pennyroyal, Pacific Monardella, Mountain Wild Mint, Monardelle Odorante, Purpurmynta
Scientific Names: , Monardella odoratissima, Madronella odoratissima, Monardella odoratissima subsp. euodoratissima, Monardella odoratissima var. euodoratissima,
GBIF Accepted Name: Monardella odoratissima Benth.