Description
Ohio Horsemint (Blephilia ciliata), also known as Downy Wood Mint, is a hardy, mint-scented native perennial known for its pale lavender flowers and pollinator appeal. Blooming from May to July, it attracts honey bees, bumblebees, and butterflies while adding soft texture and gentle color to native gardens and shaded beds.
This drought-tolerant and deer-resistant wildflower thrives in dry to average soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its square, fuzzy stems and lance-shaped leaves stay green through winter, and its tiered seed heads add structure to dried arrangements and winter landscapes.
Low-maintenance and long-lived, Ohio Horsemint spreads easily once established. Prune seed stalks in early fall to highlight its attractive foliage. Historically, its mildly minty leaves have been brewed into teas and used in traditional remedies.
