Blephilia ciliata

Downy Wood Mint (Blephilia ciliata)Mint Family This clump forming member of the mint is much better behaved than its relatives, yet still makes for an excellent groundcover. The evergreen basal foliage takes on attractive hues of purple during the winter and makes a tight clump that keeps weeds at bay. Lavender blooms whorl up short stalks in late spring/early summer over a long bloom time. Like most members of the mint family, a very diverse array of pollinators can be seen visiting the small flowers. This mint tolerates full sun, but can also take on quite a bit of shade. It makes a great woodland edge plant or border plant. Aromatic leaves and flowers are both edible. Blooms: Lavender, 3-4 weeks, May-JuneLeaves: Green, with purple tones, simple, oblong, 1-3”, very hairy, evergreen basal foliageHeight: 1-2’ Space: 12-18"Soil: Average-Dry, clay, rockyExposure: Full-Part sunFauna: Short and long tongue bees, flies, butterflies, mothsSeeds: Small seeds tucked inside attractive dried