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Description
Monardella villosa, also known as Coyote Mint, is a perennial herb that is native to California and Oregon in the United States. This plant has bright green leaves and produces clusters of pink to lavender flowers that bloom in the summer. Coyote Mint is known for its strong, minty fragrance and is often used in teas, potpourri, and as an herb for cooking. It is also a popular plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Monardella |
Appearance
The Coyote Mint plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has bright green, aromatic leaves that are 1-2 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stems and can be pink to lavender in color. The plant blooms in the summer and has a strong, minty fragrance.
Care Guide
Coyote Mint is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a variety of soil types. Here are some tips for caring for Coyote Mint:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. During the winter, reduce watering to once a month.
- Fertilization: Coyote Mint does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.
- Soil: Coyote Mint prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Coyote Mint is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Coyote Mint is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and powdery mildew. Here are some tips for preventing and treating these issues:
- Spider Mites: These pests can be prevented by keeping the plant well-watered and spraying with a hose to remove any mites. If the infestation is severe, you can use an insecticidal soap.
- Powdery Mildew: This can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and keeping the plant well-ventilated. If the infestation is severe, you can use a fungicide.
Habitat
Coyote Mint is native to California and Oregon in the United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and open woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. Coyote Mint is a popular plant for attracting pollinators and is often used in butterfly gardens and wildflower meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Coyote Mint a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Coyote Mint is a great plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How tall does Coyote Mint grow?
A: Coyote Mint can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Q: Can Coyote Mint be used in cooking?
A: Yes, Coyote Mint is often used as an herb in cooking and has a strong, minty flavor.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Coyote Mint?
A: Coyote Mint is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Related Plants
- Monardella odoratissima (Mountain Pennyroyal)
- Monardella macrantha (Hummingbird Coyote Mint)
- Monardella lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coyote Mint)
References
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Monardella villosa. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Monardella-villosa-(Coyote-Mint)
- Las Pilitas Nursery. (n.d.). Monardella villosa. Retrieved from https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/monardella-villosa
- Mojave Desert Land Trust. (n.d.). Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa). Retrieved from https://www.mdlt.org/plants/coyote-mint-monardella-villosa/
