Flora of the Southeastern United States

Intro: Erect, rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial of woodlands, meadows and forests, usually in circumneutral soils (over diabase, limestone, shell, etc.).

Stems: Stems 4-angled, mostly unbranched, covered in white hairs pressed against the stem.

Leaves: Leaves opposite, petiolate (sessile above), oval to lance-shaped, to 3 1/2 in. long, shallowly toothed or entire, sparsely hairy above and whitish-downy beneath, fragrant when crushed.

Inforescence:

Flowers: Flowers in several dense, head-like clusters that are tiered along a terminal spike, each cluster resting on a whorl of green, fringed bracts; flowers pale pink to lavender, about 1/3 in. long, bilaterally symmetric and tubular, split into 2 flaring lips, the upper one narrow and the lower 3-lobed and speckled with purple. The calyx is tubular and hairy, and there are 2 long-protruding stamens.

Fruits:

Comments:

Height: 1-2.5 ft. (Spread 1-1.5 ft.)

plant sale text: Downy wood mint is a clump forming perennial that produces tight clusters of blue-purple, stacked flowers, similar in appearance to those of its mint family relative Monarda. Native to much of the eastern US, this species spreads slowly in the garden by means of rhizomes, but never becomes aggressive. Deer resistant and drought tolerant, downy wood mint complements almost any garden setting as long as it receives greater than 20% of sunlight per day and the soil it is planted in drains well. This species is commonly visited by several species of native bees, and butterflies. 2022 N.C. Wildflower of the Year.

bloom table text: Downy wood mint is a clump forming perennial that produces tight clusters of blue-purple, stacked flowers, similar in appearance to those of its mint family relative Monarda. Native to much of the eastern US, this species spreads slowly in the garden by means of rhizomes, but never becomes aggressive. Deer resistant and drought tolerant, downy wood mint complements almost any garden setting as long as it receives greater than 20% of sunlight per day and the soil it is planted in drains well. This species is commonly visited by several species of native bees, and butterflies.

description: Erect, rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial of woodlands, meadows and forests, usually in circumneutral soils (over diabase, limestone, shell, etc.).

stems: Stems 4-angled, mostly unbranched, covered in white hairs pressed against the stem.

leaves: Leaves opposite, petiolate (sessile above), oval to lance-shaped, to 3 1/2 in. long, shallowly toothed or entire, sparsely hairy above and whitish-downy beneath, fragrant when crushed.

inflorescence:

flowers: Flowers in several dense, head-like clusters that are tiered along a terminal spike, each cluster resting on a whorl of green, fringed bracts; flowers pale pink to lavender, about 1/3 in. long, bilaterally symmetric and tubular, split into 2 flaring lips, the upper one narrow and the lower 3-lobed and speckled with purple. The calyx is tubular and hairy, and there are 2 long-protruding stamens.

fruits:

comments:

cultural notes:

germination code: 2

native range: eastern & central U.S.