Monardella villosa

Family: Lamiaceae

Common names: COYOTE MINT, SAN LUIS OBISPO COYOTE MINT

Native to: California, Oregon

Plant

Type: perennial

Form: prostrate

Max height: 2 feet

Max width: 2 feet

Flower

magenta/purple, pink

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species

Exposure: sun

Landscape uses: container, flower fragrant

Propagates by: seed

flowers in summer

Soil type: well drained

USDA Zones: zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f

Temp. range: +20 to +40 °F

Water: drought tolerant

There are 54 species of Monardella, a Lamiaceae. Three Monardella are perennials, each with its own common name. They grow in Zones 9-10. Many Monardella are wildflowers and some are consumed as tea. A few that grow 1-2 feet tall are cultivated – including Monardella macrantha, odoratissima, and villosa. Some are drought tolerant. Monardella grow from seed, division, or cutting, and is summer flowering.

Monardella attracts
Papilio eurymedon, Pale Swallowtail
Papilio rutulus, Western Tiger Swallowtail
Vanessa virginiensis, American Lady

Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial

This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.

Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.

Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.

By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.