Blephilia ciliata (L.) Raf. ex Benth.

Downy Wood Mint; Downy Pagoda Plant; Ohio Horsemint

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Downy Wood Mint is a native herbaceous perennial in the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to the northern two-thirds of Alabama. Downy Wood Mint occurs in prairies, in rich hardwood forests, and along streams. It is an upright perennial from a taproot that produces long leafy stolons from the base. The upright stem is 1-2 feet in height, square in cross-section, unbranched, and pubescent with appressed hairs. The leaves are opposite, petiolate, lanceolate to elliptic in outline, with entire to slightly serrate margins. The decumbent stolons are square in cross-section and slightly pubescent. The leaves on the stolons are opposite, ovate to elliptic in outline, with crenate margins. Flowers are produced in 1-3 dense whorls near the apex of the stem. The calyx is 2-lipped with the upper lip having 3 long teeth and the lower lip having 2 long teeth. The calyx is pubescent with long hairs. The corolla is 2-lipped and white, pale blue, or pale lavender in color. The lower lip of the corolla has several dark purple spots. The fruit is a mericarp. Downy Wood Mint is often available from native plant nurseries. Downy Wood Mint will grow in a wide variety conditions. It prefers a neutral or basic soil and can grow in wet or dry areas in full sun to partial shade. It is most effective when planted in masses or naturalized.--A. Diamond

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Native

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