(Monardella odoratissima)
Probably one of my favorite plants for its common names, Mountain Monardella, Alpine Mountain balm, Coyote Mint, Mountain Pennyroyal, and its flavor. The heavenly herbal aroma will strike you upon your first encounter with this evergreen shrublet that is regionally native (mostly east of the Cascade crest, south to California). This is a tough plant, supported by a stout taproot and branching woody base that helps it thrive in harsh environments, including dry, rocky soils, deserts, and even alpine conditions!
A great find at our friends native plant nursery in the canyon. A grayish, aromatic plant with erect, bunched, leafy stems bearing opposite leaves and topped by small, whitish to pale purple or pink flowers in a dense head. In general, its stems form large mats about 1 ft. high. In bloom, these are covered with flower heads, ranging in color from near white to bright blue-purple.
ZONE: 7-10
POLLINATOR: Yes
DEER RESISTANT: Yes
DROUGHT TOLERANT: Yes
EVERGREEN: Yes
SPREADS BY SEED: Yes
NEEDS A CROSS POLLINATOR: Wind pollinated
AGE OF PLANT: Estimated 5yrs old (current stock)
MATURE HEIGHT: 1-2ft tall & 2-3ft wide
MOUNTAIN MINT/COYOTE MINT
PLANTING & GROWING
Thrives in sunny, well-drained areas.
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
FLAVOR & PAIRING
Coyote Mint has a more savory and rich mint flavor with hints of Sage and the classic menthol kick of more familiar mints.
COMPANION PLANTING
Blends great with native prairie perennials, ornamental grasses, and other subshrubs like teucrium, hyssopus, monkeyflower, sage (Salvia spp.), buckwheat, lavender, california poppy, and yarrow. These partners enhance biodiversity by attracting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.