Hairy Wood Mint (Blephilia hirsuta)

Hairy wood mint is an upright perennial reaching 2 to 3 feet tall, easily identified by its square hairy stems and saw-toothed leaves. It thrives in part to full shade and prefers moist soils, making it a perfect choice for areas where sun loving mints might struggle. In the modern landscape, its stacked pagoda like clusters of white to pale lavender flowers are a high value nectar source for native bees, while the plant also serves as a host for the pyralid moth. Because the leaves possess a mild, earthy peppermint flavor, they are frequently harvested for use in fresh or dried teas or as aromatic garnishes for salads and desserts.