Family: Lamiaceae
Author: (Pursh) Benth.
Bibliography: Labiat. Gen. Spec.: 320 (1833)
Year: 1833
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Blephilia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Hairy wood-mint, scientifically known as Blephilia hirsuta, is a captivating member of the Lamiaceae family. First described in depth in 1833 by (Pursh) Benth., this perennial herb is well-regarded for its distinctive characteristics and noteworthy presence in diverse habitats.
Blephilia hirsuta thrives across a broad geographic span, extending from Eastern Canada down through Central and Eastern regions of the United States. This expansive distribution underscores its adaptability to various environmental conditions, making it a prevalent species in its native range.
Characterized by its hairy stems and leaves, the hairy wood-mint typically reaches a height of about 30-80 centimeters. The plant is adorned with opposite leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape, and covered in fine hairs that not only contribute to its common name but also play a role in reducing water loss by minimizing transpiration. This hairy texture gives the plant a soft, almost velvety appearance.
The flowers of Blephilia hirsuta are particularly noteworthy, organized in dense, button-like clusters that are often found in tiers along the upper part of the stems. Each individual flower is tubular, with a two-lipped corolla that typically displays a pale lavender to light blue hue. This delicate coloration, coupled with the plant’s aromatic foliage, makes it an attractive addition to natural landscapes and gardens focused on native plants.
Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, the hairy wood-mint provides a valuable nectar source for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby playing a vital role in local ecosystems. Its presence in dense woodland edges, open woods, and along shaded roadsides also helps prevent soil erosion and maintain biodiversity.
Culturally, Blephilia hirsuta is relatively easy to grow, preferring well-drained soils and partial to full shade. Its tolerance for different soil types and conditions, combined with its low maintenance requirements, make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscapes with native flora.
Overall, the hairy wood-mint is a versatile and ecologically beneficial plant that adds visual and functional value to the regions it inhabits. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in gardens, Blephilia hirsuta continues to be cherished for its beauty, resilience, and ecological contributions.
Common Names
Eng: hairy pagoda-plant, hairy wood-mint, hairy wood mint, hairy blephilia, hairy pagoda plant
Fra: bléphilie hirsute
En: Hairy wood-mint, Hairy pagoda-plant, Hairy wood mint, Hairy blephilia, Hairy pagoda plant
Fr: Bléphilie hirsute
Synonyms
- Monarda hirsuta (Pursh)
- Blephilia brevipes (Raf.)
- Blephilia lanceolata (Raf.)
- Blephilia nepetoides (Raf.)
- Blephilia hirsuta f. albiflora (House)
- Blephilia hirsuta var. glabra (Fernald)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Gina Gina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by David David (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by David David (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2020 by Diana Prince (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Randall Benson (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 26, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by sherry gray (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 26, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by David David (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 4, 2016 by EOL − Fluff Berger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 3, 2016 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2015 by EOL − Tomas Curtis (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 16, 2016 by EOL − caseyaceae (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 26, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 26, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926501)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30043228-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Blephilia hirsuta (Pursh) Benth.)