Illustration of Monardella villosa by Mary Elizabeth Parsons (1902). [Public Domain]
Genus: Monardella
Common Names: various
Description coming soon.
Distribution: Western Canada, U.S. and Mexico
Our Selection
Monardella odoratissima
Common name(s): mountain coyote mint, mountain pennyroyal
Description: perennial; a more drought tolerant, West Coast relative of bee balm (Monarda) with a low, spreading habit. Foliage is pleasantly aromatic and smells of mint and citrus. Pink-purple flowers in summer. Native to East, Central, and Southern Oregon. Performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Height: to 1 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Position: partial shade (ideally morning sun and light afternoon shade) and well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators, medicine, culinary- herbal tea
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought
Distribution: SW Canada, West U.S.
Monardella purpurea × M. villosa
Common name(s): coyote mint
Description: perennial; a naturally occurring hybrid of two Monardella species native to SW Oregon and California. Low, bushy growth with pleasantly aromatic foliage that smells of mint and citrus. Lavender-purple flowers in summer. Semi-dormant in winter.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Position: partial shade (ideally morning sun and light afternoon shade), and lean, gritty, well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators, medicine, culinary- herbal tea
Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below
Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought
Distribution: SW Oregon, California
Monardella villosa subsp. franciscana 'Russian River'
Common name(s): coyote mint
Description: perennial; a 1992 California Flora Nursery introduction selected by Sherrie Althouse from a rocky site on the Lower Russian River in N. California. Vigorous trailing growth with aromatic foliage and light pink-purple flowers in summer.
Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 3 ft.
Position: partial shade (ideally morning sun and light afternoon shade), and lean, gritty, well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators, medicine, culinary- herbal tea
Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below