Monardella odoratissima
mountain coyote mint
Overview
Monardella odoratissima is a low, aromatic perennial subshrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae), 4–16 inches (10–40 cm) tall, forming spreading mounds from a woody base. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are 0.4–1.4 inches (1–3.5 cm) long, green to gray-green, and release a strong mint-and-camphor scent when bruised. From early to late summer the stems end in dense, rounded flower heads 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across, ringed by papery purple-tinged bracts and packed with small two-lipped flowers that range from pale pink and lavender to nearly white. It grows on dry, rocky slopes, gravelly ridges, sagebrush flats, and open montane forest across much of the western United States, from foothills to subalpine elevations. The aromatic foliage has long been steeped as a mint tea. The plant is short-lived on heavy or wet soils and needs sharp drainage to persist. Its scent leaves it largely untouched by deer and browsing animals.
Native Range
Monardella odoratissima is native to the western United States, from Washington and Oregon east to Montana and south through California, Nevada, and the Rocky Mountain states to Colorado. It grows on dry, rocky ground from low foothills to high mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
Monardella odoratissima is used in rock gardens, dryland and pollinator plantings, and containers on sharply drained sites. Its aromatic foliage is also dried for mint tea. It draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds through summer.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread8" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Dense flower heads open from June through August, later at higher elevations. Each head blooms over several weeks as individual flowers open in succession, giving about 6 weeks of color. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds work the small tubular flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink-purple to whiteFoliage Description
green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Monardella odoratissima grows in full sun on lean, sharply drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils and needs little water once established. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor ground but rots in wet, heavy, or poorly drained soil, where it is short-lived. It is grown from seed or cuttings and suits rock gardens, dry slopes, and containers with gritty mix. It needs no fertilizer on lean soils. A light shearing after bloom keeps the mounds compact.Pruning
The plant is sheared lightly after flowering to keep it compact and prompt fresh foliage. Stems are cut back by no more than a third, since hard cuts into old wood may not resprout. Spent flower heads can be left for seed or removed to tidy the plant.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons