Mountain monardella (Monardella odoratissima, Labiat. Gen. Spec.: 332 (1834))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Benth.

Bibliography: Labiat. Gen. Spec.: 332 (1834)

Year: 1834

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Monardella

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Canada to W. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

Mountain monardella, known scientifically as Monardella odoratissima, is a captivating member of the Lamiaceae family. First formally described in 1834 by the botanist Benth., this aromatic plant holds a prominent place within its genus, characterized by its strong fragrance and diverse ecological presence.

Mountain monardella thrives primarily in southwestern Canada and extends throughout the western and west-central United States. This distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to a variety of elevations and climates within the North American landscape, from rugged mountain terrains to rolling hills and open woods.

The plant itself is distinctive, often noted for its whorled clusters of small, tubular flowers that range in color from pale lavender to deep purple. These blooms attract a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological health of their habitats. The leaves of Monardella odoratissima are equally notable, being aromatic and often used in herbal remedies and culinary applications owing to their potent and pleasant smell.

Botanists and plant enthusiasts appreciate mountain monardella not just for its beauty but for its resilience and the important role it plays in its native ecosystems. As a member of the mint family, it shares many characteristics typical of Lamiaceae, such as square stems and opposite leaf arrangements, which add to its distinctive charm.

In summary, Monardella odoratissima, or mountain monardella, is a remarkable plant species celebrated for its aromatic leaves, beautiful flowers, and significant ecological role across a wide geographic range from southwestern Canada to the western and west-central United States.

Common Names

Eng: mountain monardella, mountain wild mint, pacific monardella
Swe: purpurmynta
Fra: monardelle odorante
En: Mountain monardella, Coyote mint, Alpine Mountainbalm, Pacific monardella, Mountain wild mint
Fi: Rinneminttu
Fr: Monardelle odorante
Sv: Purpurmynta

Synonyms

• Monardella odoratissima subsp. euodoratissima (Epling)
• Monardella odoratissima var. euodoratissima (H.St.John)
• Madronella odoratissima ((Benth.) Greene)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 26, 1999 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 18, 2020 by taylor drake (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 1, 2010 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2005 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2005 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by EOL − Camille Nowell (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2926546)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:163391-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Monardella odoratissima Benth.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth