Downy Pagoda Plant © 2010 Bo Mackison
Another wildflower that I photographed on my brief foray to Missouri. This is Blephilia ciliata, commonly known by a variety of names — Ohio horsemint, Downy Pagoda Plant, Downy Woodmint. It is a Missouri native perennial which grows in dry open woods and thickets, clearings, fields and roadsides in the eastern two thirds of the State.
It is a member of the mint family, and while aromatic, it is not as strong as most mints I’ve come across in the more northern climes. It appears to be attractive to butterflies and bees, at least it was in the wildflower garden at Shaw Nature Reserve.
The flowers are blue to purple and bloom from May through September. The plant grow in a circular column, sometimes having as many as six or seven pagodas full of flowers. The larger ones seem to outgrow themselves, and a few were tipped over with the weight of the hundreds of blossoms.
What a fun flower. It also reminds me of a wedding cake.
Wedding cake flower. Another good name!
Another interesting find! I like the way you captured it and showed details as well as its pagoda-like shape.
It was great to be in a new place, seeing wildflowers I’ve never seen before.
What a pretty plant that is! The blossoms look as though they are in competition for the pollinators. I’ve not seen anything like it. (I see it’s an eastern US plant.)
I’d never seen a mint like this one either. And it was huge. I’m more accustomed to smaller plants.
This flower reminded me of so much when I first saw it. With such a close up view, so many interpretations are open. I think the little blue flowers together look like a fancy ribboning for a hat or something, while individually (especially on the middle tier towards the right) they look the head of a cartoon-looking elephant. Just an observation. Hehe.
Molly, your creativity is blooming!!! What happened to the 3 word deal?
I’m so glad to get your comments…
I haven’t seen a mint plant like that. Lovely blue speckled blossoms!
Amazing flower and fantastic photograph! LOVE the blue and shape and description.
I really do enjoy the blue robin eggness of this plant. Beautiful.
This is a really sweet shot. What a flower, what a capture. Gorgeous color.