Mountain coyote mint (Monardella odoratissima) is a fragrant perennial herb in the Mint family. It grows in mountain forests and sagebrush scrub, thriving at elevations between 2,000 and 10,000 feet. This plant is native to Northern California’s Klamath Mountains, North Coast Ranges, Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, Modoc Plateau, White Mountains, and Inyo Mountains, and it extends into Washington, Nevada, and Utah.

Mountain coyote mint has upright to sprawling stems that may become woody at the base. The foliage ranges from smooth, dark green to hairy, gray-green, often dotted with glands that release a strong minty scent when touched. Its lance-shaped to oval leaves are up to 1.75 inches long.

The flowers bloom from April to August, appearing in compact clusters ranging from white and pale pink to light bluish-purple. The bracts surrounding the flowers may have a rose or purplish tint. The blossoms are tubular, with two distinct lips, and are highly attractive to butterflies, their primary pollinators.

This plant grows well in full sun to partial shade and adapts easily to gardens. It can be pruned in late fall or winter to encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers keeps the plant looking vibrant and promotes continuous blooming. Mountain coyote mint is easy to propagate from cuttings and does not spread by runners like many other mints.