Coyote Mint
Monardella villosa
Mint Family (Lamiaceae)
Native
Key Identifying Characteristics
Has upright square, hairy stems with paired, opposite fuzzy dark green leaves and round clusters of small purple flowers. Smells minty.
Height / Size
1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves
Thick dark green oval leaves with serrated edges, approximately 0.5 inches long. Leaves are on square stems in opposite pairs at right angles to the leaves above and below them. Veins are impressed on upper surface of leaves, and ridged on the underside of the leaf.
Flower
Small light purple flowers occuring in dense round clusters at the top of a stem. Each tubular flower has 2 long stamens and 2 short stamens.
Bloom Time: May to August
Fruit / Seed
Each flower matures into a seed capsule with 4 nutlets.
Habitat
Various, including coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodlands
Location / Range
All trails. Found near the coast from Mendocino to San Mateo counties.
Lifespan
Perennial, 2 to 4 years
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Popular flower for butterflies and bees.
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Ethnobotany
To learn how the Ohlone people used this plant see: Native American Ethnobotany Database.