Fauna
Plant

Downy Pagoda Plant

Blephilia ciliata

Also known as Downy Wood Mint, Sunny Woodmint, Ohio Horsemint

Downy pagoda plant stands out in summer meadows and dry open woods with its distinctive tiered clusters of pale lavender, tubular flowers. Stacked like delicate green and purple pagodas, these vibrant blooms attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers searching for nectar. Aromatic leaves coated in soft white down help the plant conserve moisture across dry prairie edges and glades.

NativeWildflowerPollinator Friendly
Downy Pagoda Plant reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive plant competition, woody encroachment
HabitatsDry open woods, glades, limestone barrens, prairies, bluffs
Life spanPerennial (5–10+ years)
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyLamiaceae
  3. GenusBlephilia
  4. SpeciesBlephilia ciliata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Look for Pagoda Tiers: Identify the stacked whorls of pale purple flowers separated by leafy green bracts along the upper stem.
  • Check for Downy Hairs: Examine the lower leaf undersides and main stems, which feature dense, soft white hairs.
  • Smell the Foliage: Gently brush the leaves to release a sweet, herbal mint fragrance typical of the family.
Related species
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