Monardella villosa

Spreading perennial, decumbent stems 1-2' tall by 3' wide, excellent cascading down slopes or over rock walls, dark slate gray strongly fragrant leaves fuzzy underneath, heads of light purple, feathery, exquisite, 3"+ flowers. ZONE 5

This is a perennial wildflower is found only in California, it grows as a small mat forming shrub about 2' tall and 2' wide. The lavender flowers provide valuable nectar for butterflies and being in the mint family the leaves have a lovely minty scent that can be seeped to make tea. Flowers June - August Endemic to California The flowers are attractive to butterflies, with the nectar a food for them. This plant was used by the Indigenous peoples of California as a remedy for stomach upset, respiratory conditions, and sore throat. It may also be steeped into a bitter mint tea. Found in widespread on rocky outcrops in chaparral throughout california's foothills. Communitites located in Northern Coastal Scrub, Closed-cone Pine, Redwood, Douglas-Fir, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Northern Oak, Foothill Woodland Between 0 and 6000 feet.

Perennial to 8" with furry, pale green leaves on creeping stems, and long-lasting heads of delicate purple-red flowers in late spring and summer. The foliage has a strong minty-sage fragrance. Prefers full sun and moderate summer water with well-drained soils. Hardy to 10 °F. California.

This coast range California native makes a nice 2’ x 2’ trailing groundcover for dry situations & besides being so pretty, its fuzzy grey-green foliage is extremely minty-scented, keeping the deer away! I’m happy to report it’s long blooming, too!The 1” lavender puff balls make their show July thru August, providing nectar for our fluttering friends. Cut back in Winter for compact appearance. Found in oak woodlands & chaparrell, this plant can grow in sand, clay, or serpentine soil and also does well on dry slopes. Spanish Californians used the leaves as a tea to treat sore throats. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant.