Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

San Francisco coyote mint (Monardella villosa ssp. franciscana) is a subspecies of coyote mint limited to the San Francisco area where it is found in the Presidio, above Laguna Honda Reservoir, and on Bernal Heights, Twin Peaks, Mt. Davidson, Bayview Hill, and Yerba Buena Island. Coyote mint is a clumping perennial in the Lamiaceae or mint family. It develops into a low mound from a woody base, has small pleasantly fragrant leaves and bears tubular lavender flowers from June through August. 

San Francisco coyote mint is not adapted to sandy soils, preferring soil that is a little heavier. It requires good drainage to prevent rotting in winter. Avoid summer watering. Light pruning helps maintain a neat appearance.

The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Calscape icon
Color

Pink

Flowering season

Summer

Special uses

Deer resistant

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Very Low, Low

Hummingbirds
Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 7 likely

Confirmed Likely

Anstenoptilia marmarodactyla

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana

California Pyrausta Moth

Pyrausta californicalis

Pyrausta dapalis