An uncommon North American perennial, Blephilia ciliata is a native mint that spreads quickly in full sun areas with loamy, clay, or silty soils, and can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions. Whorled clusters of light pink to lavender flowers appear above 4-sided, hairy stems and upper foliage that displays a prominent white pubescence. It is this stiffly hairy appearance from which its specific epithet, as well as another common name, Downy Wood Mint, is derived – small, ciliate hairs can be seen on the margins of the light green leaves as well, helping to identify this native Ohio Horsemint from potentially aggressive Eurasian species. The thick, downy stems help this native mint to withstand periods of drought in basically any type of soil you throw it at - whether it be clay, loam, or rocky, craggy soils. The charming whorls of blooms begin to appear in early June and last well into the end of July. Another one of this woodland perennial’s common names, Pagoda Plant, alludes to the appearance of the inflorescences. Long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, Syrphid flies, honeybees, and bumblebees are just some of the visitors known to enjoy Blephilia ciliata nectar and pollen, while the fragrant stems keep herbivores at bay. As with other culinary mint selections, Ohio Horsemint leaves can be eaten raw or used in teas, cordials, tinctures, or syrups.

• Category: Perennials
• Hardiness Zone: 4
• Height: 28 Inches
• Spread: 12 Inches
• Bloom Color: Blue, Lavender/Purple