Description

The coyote mint is widespread north of Santa Barbara County. It is encountered primarily in mountainous settings, but it may have been common in valleys before agriculture and urbanization. The villosa subspecies occurs throughout the range, and is the subspecies native to Santa Clara County. It forms a small round mass of fragrant leaves in the spring. Spherical clusters of lavender flowers appear in summer. In a natural setting, coyote mint begins to go dormant as seed matures in late summer. It may go entirely dormant (i.e. brown) in hot inland settings. Occasional water may help keep a little green on the plant. To lessen the visual impact of summer dormancy, coyote mint may be planted among other evergreen species.