Blephilia hirsuta
hairy wood mint
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantFragrant (light)Container Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Blephilia hirsuta is an upright perennial in the mint family, growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide. The square stems are covered in spreading white hairs, the trait behind its common name. Tubular flowers are pale lavender to white with purple spots on the lower lip, arranged in stacked, rounded whorls separated by gaps along the upper stem. It blooms through summer, drawing bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The opposite leaves are toothed, hairy, and aromatic when crushed, on short stalks. The species is native to moist woodlands and shaded edges across eastern North America. It grows in partial shade and average to moist soil and spreads slowly by rhizomes and self-seeding to form loose colonies. In too much sun or dry soil the lower leaves brown and drop. Plants may flop in rich soil or deep shade and can be cut back to stay compact. Unlike garden mints, it spreads at a moderate pace rather than aggressively. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Native Range
Blephilia hirsuta is native to eastern North America, from Quebec and Vermont west to Minnesota and south to Georgia and Texas. It grows in moist deciduous woods, wooded ravines, streambanks, and shaded clearings.Suggested Uses
Used in shade gardens, woodland borders, and pollinator plantings on moist ground. Suited to naturalized areas where it can spread into colonies. Spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart in groups.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Blooms in summer, roughly June through August, over a period of 4-6 weeks. The tiered flower whorls open from the lowest cluster upward. Bloom is heaviest in early to midsummer in shaded sites.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale lavender to whiteFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in partial shade in average to moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Plants in full sun need consistently moist soil to limit leaf scorch. It spreads slowly by rhizomes and self-sown seed, forming loose colonies rather than dense mats. Cut stems back after bloom to limit flopping and reseeding. Divide clumps in spring every three to four years to renew vigor. No fertilizer is needed in woodland soil.Pruning
Cut stems back by half after flowering to reduce flopping and self-seeding. Remove spent stems to the ground in late fall. Shear lightly in late spring to keep plants compact in rich soil.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons