Downy wood mint (Blephilia ciliata)

Family: Lamiaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Blephilia ciliata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves. Minty leaves eaten raw and used in teas. The leaves can be used to prepare sauces and drinks . — Minty leaves eaten raw and used in teas.; The leaves can be used to prepare sauces and drinks .

Habitat & North American Range

Indigenous to dry open woods, prairies, savannas, limestone bluffs, glades, barrens, clearings, fields, steep slopes, disturbed sites and roadsides. Plants often occur in thin soils over limestone. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)