Blephilia hirsuta (Hairy Wood Mint) Unity Grown

Blephilia hirsuta, commonly known as hairy wood mint, is a clump-forming native perennial noted for its toothed, fragrant leaves, light blue-purple flower heads. Blephilia hirsuta is distinguished from close relative Blephilia ciliata by the presence of small, soft hairs all over the plant's tissues; while Blephilia ciliata produces hairs only on its leaves, Blephilia hirsuta produces hairs on its leaves as well as its stems. Hairy wood mint grows to a size of about 1-2' tall and wide, and produces clusters of pale pink-purple flowers on upright stems from late spring to summer. Flowers are highly attractive to a variety of pollinators including bumblebees and monarch butterflies, among others. 

As a member of the mint family, Blephilia hirsuta can be used as a mint substitute - in both culinary uses and in the landscape. Leaves and tissues have a minty, herbal fragrance and taste, but hairy wood mint is thankfully a less aggressive spreader than a true mint. Blephilia hirsuta is a beneficial addition to any space for its attractive appearance, as well as its smell and wildlife value. Hairy wood mint prefers moist, nutrient-rich habitats like forests, riverbanks, and part-shade thickets, but will do well in the home garden if provided with medium moisture in rich, well-draining soils. With its fragrant and hairy leaves, downy wood mint is distasteful to both rabbits and deer, and small leaves and shoots close to the ground retain their green color through the winter, making it an excellent garden addition with a lot of multi-season appeal.

Our Blephilia hirsuta plugs and containers are grown pesticide free, from seed, here at Unity Church Hill Nursery.