Coyote-mint
Monardella villosa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Coyote-mint is a low-growing, aromatic subshrub that blooms from May through August with lavender to pink flower clusters. It thrives in dry, well-drained soil under full sun to light shade.
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
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
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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 Coyote-mint bloom?
- Coyote-mint typically flowers from May through August, producing rounded clusters of lavender to pink blooms on aromatic gray-green foliage.
- How much water does Coyote-mint need?
- This plant is adapted to low water conditions once established. It grows best in well-drained soil and should not be watered frequently, especially during summer dormancy.
- What kind of light does Coyote-mint prefer?
- Coyote-mint does well in full sun along the coast and in cooler areas, but appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter inland gardens.
- What pollinators visit Coyote-mint?
- Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are frequently seen visiting the flowers of Coyote-mint during its summer bloom period.
- 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.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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