Downy Wood-mint
Blephilia ciliata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Blephilia ciliata (Downy Wood-mint) is a native perb blooming June through August across eastern and central United States. This mint family plant attracts bees and butterflies with its small lavender flowers.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Downy wood-mint is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of small white to pale lavender flowers from June through August. This well-behaved mint relative stays in neat clumps without aggressive spreading and tolerates partial shade conditions well.
Growing Downy Wood-mint
Grow Downy Wood-mint in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Downy Wood-mint is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and provide nectar for butterflies throughout the summer blooming period.
Common questions
- When does Blephilia ciliata bloom?
- Downy Wood-mint blooms from June through August, producing small lavender to white flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Downy Wood-mint?
- Blephilia ciliata attracts various bees and butterflies, making it valuable for pollinator gardens and native plant landscapes.
- Where is Blephilia ciliata native?
- Downy Wood-mint is native to 24 states across the eastern and central United States, from Massachusetts south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Oklahoma.
- What growing conditions does Downy Wood-mint prefer?
- This adaptable native forb tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, though it typically grows best in medium moisture soils.
- Is Downy Wood-mint HOA-friendly?
- Downy Wood-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 Downy Wood-mint? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.