When does Monardella villosa bloom?

Coyote mint typically blooms from May through August, producing clusters of small purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.

What pollinators visit Monardella villosa?

This California native attracts a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.

How much water does coyote mint need?

Monardella villosa is drought tolerant once established and thrives with low to moderate water. It is well-adapted to California's dry summer conditions.

Is Coyote-mint HOA-friendly?

Coyote-mint is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Coyote-mint

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Monardella villosa

Last reviewed: July 2026

Monardella villosa is a fragrant California native shrub that blooms purple flowers from May through August. This drought-tolerant coyote mint attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in sunny garden locations.

Coyote-mint (Monardella villosa) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley

Monardella villosa is a compact, aromatic shrub with rounded clusters of lavender to purple flowers atop woody stems. It blooms throughout summer, releasing a pleasant minty fragrance when touched or brushed against. Its small size makes it ideal for borders and rock gardens.

Growing Coyote-mint

Grow Coyote-mint in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Coyote-mint is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Can look slightly unkempt during non-blooming periods
May need light pruning to maintain tidy appearance

Wildlife value

Coyote mint is a valuable pollinator plant, attracting native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during its extended summer bloom period.

Common questions

When does Monardella villosa bloom?: Coyote mint typically blooms from May through August, producing clusters of small purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.
What pollinators visit Monardella villosa?: This California native attracts a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
How much water does coyote mint need?: Monardella villosa is drought tolerant once established and thrives with low to moderate water. It is well-adapted to California's dry summer conditions.
Is Coyote-mint toxic to dogs?: Coyote-mint is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Coyote-mint toxic to cats?: Coyote-mint is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Coyote-mint HOA-friendly?: Coyote-mint is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Coyote-mint? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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