Kingdom Plantae Family Lamiaceae Scientific name Monardella villosa Rank Species | Order Lamiales Genus Monardella Higher classification Monardella | |
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Similar Monardella, Monardella odoratissima, Lupinus albifrons, Monardella macrantha, Diplacus aurantiacus | ||
Monardella villosa is a plant in the mint family which is known by the common name coyote mint.
Contents
This is a perennial wildflower found only in California, except for one subspecies which sometimes occurs in Oregon. It grows in habitats of the California chaparral and woodlands in the California Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills.
Description
Monardella villosa forms a small bush or matted groundcover tangle of hairy mint-scented foliage. It produces rounded inflorescences of small, thready, bright lavender or pink flowers.
Subspecies
Subspecies include:
Uses
The flowers are attractive to butterflies, with the nectar providing a food source for them.
This plant was used by the Indigenous peoples of California as a remedy for stomach upset, respiratory conditions, and sore throat. It may also be steeped into a bitter mint tea.
Cultivation
Monardella villosa is cultivated in by specialty plant nurseries and available as an ornamental plant for native plant, drought tolerant, natural landscape, and habitat gardens; and for ecological restoration projects.