Family: Lamiaceae
Author: (L.) Raf. ex Benth.
Bibliography: Labiat. Gen. Spec.: 319 (1833)
Year: 1833
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Blephilia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Downy wood-mint, scientifically known as Blephilia ciliata, is a distinctive and enchanting perennial herb that graces the natural landscapes of North Carolina and the eastern United States. This member of the Lamiaceae family holds a special place in the native flora thanks to its unique attributes and ecological importance.
One of the most striking features of downy wood-mint is its soft, fuzzy foliage. The leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving them a downy texture that not only contributes to the plant’s common name but also provides a tactile element to its aesthetic appeal. These leaves are typically arranged in opposite pairs, a characteristic trait of many members of the mint family.
During its blooming period, downy wood-mint produces charming clusters of flowers that can range from white to pale purple. The blooms are organized in whorled inflorescences situated at the ends of the stems. Each individual flower is tubular and two-lipped, a structure that assists in attracting and accommodating its primary pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The presence of these insects highlights the plant’s ecological role in supporting local pollinator populations.
Aside from its ecological benefits, downy wood-mint has an understated elegance that makes it a delightful addition to native plant gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Its flowering period extends from late spring to mid-summer, during which time it offers both visual beauty and support to local wildlife. The plant thrives in well-drained soils and can often be found in open woods, meadows, and along forest edges where sunlight filters through.
Historically described in 1833 and later classified by (L.) Raf. ex Benth., Blephilia ciliata has solidified its place both in botanical literature and in the hearts of those who appreciate North American native plants. Its delicate appearance belies a resilient nature, making it a versatile choice for enhancing biodiversity in cultivated spaces.
In conclusion, the downy wood-mint is not merely a plant but an integral component of its ecosystem, offering aesthetic charm and ecological functionality. Its soft, hairy leaves and subtly colorful flowers make it easily recognizable and cherished among enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Common Names
Eng: downy pagoda-plant, downy wood-mint, downy wood mint, downy blephilia, downy pagoda plant, ohio horsemint
Fra: bléphilie ciliée
En: Downy wood-mint, Downy pagoda-plant, DOWNY BLEPHILIA, Downy wood mint, Ohio horsemint, Downy pagoda plant
Fr: Bléphilie ciliée
Synonyms
- Blephilia heterophyla (Raf.)
- Monarda ciliata (L.)
- Blephilia pratensis (Raf.)
- Monarda beckii (Eaton)
- Blephilia beckii (Raf.)
- Blephilia brevifolia (Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Other
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
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 13, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 13, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken May 13, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 13, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Kevin Brauchi (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 30, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 13, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken May 17, 2008 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 13, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
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 Jun 7, 2003 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/2926502)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60464893-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Blephilia ciliata (L.) Benth.)