Maryland Native Plants
Downy Wood Mint – Blephilia ciliata
Planting and Growing
Habit
Contrary to it’s common name, this plant does not spread aggressively. The stems and leaf undersides are covered in downy hairs, giving it the distinctive “mint” look, and flower clusters are typically pink to purple and stacked. This plant spreads primarily by rhizome from a central taproot, making it a clump-forming option that looks stunning when planted in clusters. Downy Wood Mint typically reaches heights of around 2.5 feet tall, with a relatively narrow spread of around 1.5 ft.
Fun Facts
Other common names for this species include Ohio Horsemint and Pagoda Plant, after the pagoda-like shape of the flower structures.
The genus name, Blephilia, comes from the Greek word for eyelash, blepharis, referring to the fringed hairs surroundings the bracts.
Blephilia is closely related to Monardas, as evidenced by their similar appearance and habit.
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Plant Information
Common Name: Downy Wood Mint
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Height: 1.00 to 2.50 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: May to August
Bloom Description: Blue, purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil
(Information from the NC State Extension, Missouri Botanical Garden, and Prairie Moon Nursery)