Coyote Mint

Monardella odoratissima

Lamiaceae

• Keystone plant
• Regional Native
• USDA Zone 5-9
• Sun to Part Shade
• Size: 1’ wide x 2’
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: No
• Flower Color: Pink, purple, white, or blue flowers (May to August)
• Wildlife Value:  bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; deer resistant

Coyote Mint is a showy, sprawling perennial with a distinctive aromatic fragrance. This attractive native thrives in full sun to part sun and well-drained soils, making it well-suited for rock gardens and dry borders. The plant has a somewhat sprawling growth habit that adds informal charm to naturalistic plantings and creates interesting texture in the landscape.

The flowers are small but abundant, appearing in dense, rounded clusters at the stem tips. Colors range from pink and purple to white and blue, depending on the variety. The blooms appear from late spring through summer, providing extended color. The strongly scented minty leaves are the plant's signature feature, releasing their pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed. The aromatic foliage is gray-green and covered with fine hairs, adding to the plant's drought tolerance.

This native is highly attractive to pollinators, drawing bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds to its nectar-rich flowers. The aromatic foliage makes it deer resistant, an important consideration in areas with browsing wildlife. Native Americans used various Monardella species as medicinal herbs and flavoring agents. The minty leaves make excellent aromatic tea and can be used similarly to culinary mints.

Coyote Mint is a striking addition to rock gardens, herb gardens, and xeric borders where its fragrance can be appreciated. It works well cascading over rocks or walls, and can be used as an edging plant along pathways where foot traffic will release its scent. Excellent companions include penstemon, buckwheat, sage, and other drought-tolerant natives. Combine with Blue Flax, Blanket Flower, or Little Sunflower for a colorful, pollinator-friendly display.