Coyote mint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coyote mint |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Monardella
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| Species: |
villosa
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Monardella villosa, also known as coyote mint, is a cool plant from the mint family. It's a type of wild flower that mostly grows in California. You can find it in special places like the California chaparral and woodlands and the California Coast Ranges. Sometimes, one type of coyote mint even pops up in Oregon!
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What is Coyote Mint Like?
Coyote mint is a perennial wildflower. This means it's a wild flower that lives for more than two years. It often grows as a small bush or a tangled mat close to the ground. Its leaves are a bit hairy and smell like mint!
This plant produces round groups of small, thin flowers. These flowers are usually a pretty lavender or pink color.
Different Types of Coyote Mint
Just like there can be different types of dogs, there are different types of coyote mint called subspecies. Here are a few:
- Monardella villosa ssp. franciscana
- Monardella villosa ssp. obispoensis
- Monardella villosa ssp. villosa
Why is Coyote Mint Special?
Coyote mint is important for nature and has been used by people for a long time.
Its bright flowers are very attractive to butterflies. Butterflies love to visit these flowers because they can drink the sweet nectar, which gives them energy.
Long ago, the indigenous peoples of California used this plant. They would use it as a traditional remedy for things like an upset stomach, breathing problems, or a sore throat. They also sometimes made a bitter mint tea from it.
Growing Coyote Mint
You can find coyote mint at special plant nurseries. People like to grow it in their gardens as an ornamental plant because it looks nice. It's also a great choice for native plant gardens.
Coyote mint is a drought tolerant plant, meaning it doesn't need a lot of water. This makes it perfect for natural landscape and habitat gardens, where you want to help local wildlife. It's also used in ecological restoration projects to help bring natural areas back to health.
