Description

The mountain mint occurs in a variety of habitats in mountains throughout much of California. It is absent from the coastal ranges, for the most part. The soft green foliage forms an expanding patch to about two feet in height. The form is fountain-like as the branches of opposite leaves grow and lean over. The spring flowers come up as terminal whorls of white. The mountain mint prefers regular moisture in partial shade. It is somewhat similar to its coastal cousin monkey flower savory, Clinopodium mimuloides, both in form and cultural preferences. Mountain mint is stress deciduous if allowed to dry out.