Blephilia ciliata - Downy wood mint

Morphology/Growth Habits: Downy wood mint is an herbaceous perennial wildflower native to eastern North America, typically growing up to 2.5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. This plant can begin to show its whorled purple flowers as early as May and last about a month, releasing a mild fragrance and attracting a variety of pollinators. As a member of the mint family, it spreads quickly by rhizomes. 

Height: 1-2.5 ft

Light: Full Sun-Part Shade

Moisture: Dry-Medium

Bloom color: Blue, purple

Bloom time: May-August

Habitat/Best Environments: Typically found in fields, prairies, limestone bluffs, and slopes. Can grow well in thin soils and tolerates clay- and gravel-rich soils. Does not do well in consistently wet/flooded or compacted soils. 

Ecological relationships: Its fragrant flowers attract many kinds of pollinators. *The foliage of this plant can also be used to brew teas. Poultice of leaves used to treat headaches in Cherokee medicine. 

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption