Blephilia hirsuta (Hairy Wood Mint) Unity Grown

Blephilia hirsuta, commonly known as wood mint or hairy wood mint, is a clump-forming native perennial noted for its toothed leaves, light blue-purple flower heads and fragrant leaves; Blephilia hirsuta is distinguished from close relative Blephilia ciliata by the presence of small hairs on its foliage as well as denser, more branched stems. Hairy wood mint grows to a height of about one to two feet, and produces flowers from May to September that are attractive to a variety of pollinators including bumblebees and monarch butterflies, among others.

Blephilia hirsuta's fragrant leaves retain their green color through winter, adding multi-season interest. This species prefers moist, nutrient-dense habitats like forests, streams, rivers, and thickets, but will do well in the home garden if provided with medium moisture in well-draining rich soils.