Willowy Monardella (Monardella viminea) is an extremely rare native perennial herb in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family that grows exclusively in San Diego County. Most of the world’s willowy mint grows on the eastern side of the Miramar marine base or in nearby canyons. Its habitat consists of ephemeral streams: the bed, the edge, or the bench within a few feet of the bed. This species was formerly classified as a subspecies of Monardella linoides, and some sources still list it that way.
Despite its rarity and protected status, this plant is easy to grow in gardens and is often available from nurseries. It has a delightful mint fragrance. The pink to lavender flowers are attractive and does well in containers. Monthly irrigation keeps it evergreen and enables it to rebloom at any time of the year.