Coyote Mint
Monardella villosa
Also listed as Madronella coriacea, Madronella globosa
Climate Match for your location
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A drought-tolerant California native perennial with aromatic foliage and delicate purple to pink flowers that attract pollinators. Ideal for dry gardens, rock gardens, and low-water landscapes in western regions.
Why grow it
Coyote mint occupies a distinct ecological niche among California native mints, offering finer, more delicate foliage and flowers than coarser species like white sage or black sage. It performs reliably in shallow, sandy, or rocky soils where heavier-rooted mints struggle, making it useful for stabilizing marginal sites without supplemental water once established. The plant's moderate spread and lower stature suit smaller gardens and rock gardens better than sprawling native mints.
Watch out for
In climates with summer humidity or poor drainage, the plant may experience crown rot or fungal stress despite its drought tolerance. Seedlings can be slow to establish and benefit from consistent moisture during their first growing season, contrasting with the drought resilience of mature plants. In some settings, it may self-seed moderately, warranting monitoring if contained plantings are desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A drought-tolerant California native perennial with aromatic foliage and delicate purple to pink flowers that attract pollinators. Ideal for dry gardens, rock gardens, and low-water landscapes in western regions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Coyote Mint grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Coyote mint occupies a distinct ecological niche among California native mints, offering finer, more delicate foliage and flowers than coarser species like white sage or black sage. It performs reliably in shallow, sandy, or rocky soils where heavier-rooted mints struggle, making it useful for stabilizing marginal sites without supplemental water once established. The plant's moderate spread and lower stature suit smaller gardens and rock gardens better than sprawling native mints.
Watch out for
In climates with summer humidity or poor drainage, the plant may experience crown rot or fungal stress despite its drought tolerance. Seedlings can be slow to establish and benefit from consistent moisture during their first growing season, contrasting with the drought resilience of mature plants. In some settings, it may self-seed moderately, warranting monitoring if contained plantings are desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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