Plant Description
Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta (Parish) Epling is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It has a woody base and grows up to 1 to 2 feet tall. It produces small white to lavender flowers in clusters or spikes that grow at the tip of the stems. The leaves are narrow, linear, and grow up to 2 centimeters long. The plant has a pleasant minty scent when crushed.
Origin and Common Names
Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta (Parish) Epling is commonly known by a variety of names including rigid monardella, narrow-leaved mountainmint, and narrowleaf coyote mint. This plant is native to many parts of the western United States, including Arizona, California, and Nevada. It's commonly found in mountainous regions, rocky slopes, and dry meadows.
Uses
Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta has a variety of uses. It's often used in native plant landscaping as it's drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Many indigenous tribes have also used different parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. The leaves were used by the Kumeyaay tribe in Southern California as a traditional remedy for headaches, colds, and other ailments. The plant is also used as a flavoring agent in culinary dishes for its minty taste.
General Appearance
The Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta is a beautiful and unique plant that has a range of uses and benefits. It has a woody base that grows up to 1 to 2 feet tall, producing small white to lavender flowers in clusters or spikes that grow at the tip of the stems. Its leaves are narrow, linear, and grow up to 2 centimeters long. This plant has a pleasant minty scent and is often used for landscaping, medicinal purposes, and culinary arts.
Growth Conditions for Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta (Parish) Epling
Light Requirements: Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. It is recommended to expose the plant to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is native to the western United States and is adapted to a range of temperature conditions. However, it prefers warm summer temperatures in the range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) and cool to cold winter temperatures that can go below freezing.
Soil Requirements: Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). It is adapted to dry, nutrient-poor soils and does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged soils. It is also recommended to avoid planting this species in highly fertile soils as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Water Requirements: This plant is adapted to dry conditions and does not require much watering once established. However, it is recommended to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings. Over-watering or watering too frequently can lead to root rot or other diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements: Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta does not require much fertilization. In fact, excessive fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth. If fertilization is desired, it is recommended to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer once or twice a year, preferably in the spring or fall.
Other Requirements: This plant is adapted to a range of elevations, from sea level to high mountains. However, it prefers well-ventilated areas with good air circulation to avoid fungal diseases.
Cultivation
Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta (Parish) Epling, commonly referred to as narrow-leaf monardella, is a hardy plant that is ideal for rock gardens or as a ground cover. This plant thrives in areas with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. When planting, ensure that the soil is well loosened, and the plant should be placed in a hole that is two times bigger than the root ball. Cover the plant with soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Watering Needs
Narrow-leaf monardella is a drought-tolerant plant that requires watering only during dry periods. Watering should be deep and infrequent to avoid waterlogging. When selecting watering times, ensure that the top layer of soil has dried out before watering again. During the winter season, reduce the watering frequency significantly.
Fertilization
Narrow-leaf monardella requires minimal fertilization. If necessary, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer on the plant's surface during the growing season. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush growth, which is susceptible to disease and pests.
Pruning
Narrow-leaf monardella requires trimming at least once per year to maintain its shape and remove spent blooms. Pruning can be conducted after the plant has finished blooming in late summer or early fall. Using sharp and clean pruning tools, cut the stems back to a third of their length to promote new growth. Avoid cutting back into the woody core of the plant as it may not regrow. Dead or diseased stems should be removed as soon as noticed.
Propagation of Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta (Parish) Epling
Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta (Parish) Epling can be propagated through seeds.
Collect the seeds in the late fall when they are mature and dry. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted.
Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix in the spring or early summer. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots or planted directly into the ground.
Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta (Parish) Epling can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take 3-4 inch cuttings from the plant in the spring or early summer. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should develop roots within 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management for Monardella Linoides Gray ssp. Stricta
Some common diseases that might affect Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta include:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and ensure that the plant is well-ventilated to reduce humidity.
- Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots and base of the stem. It can cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage crown rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management for Monardella Linoides Gray ssp. Stricta
Some common pests that might affect Monardella linoides Gray ssp. stricta include:
- Spider mites: These are small, microscopic pests that can be identified by the webbing they leave on the plant. They can cause the leaves to appear speckled and can stunt the growth of the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or a jet of water to dislodge them.
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that can cause the leaves to become distorted and discolored. They can also cause black fecal material to be present on the leaves. To manage thrips, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with an insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause the leaves to curl and wilt. They can also produce a sticky, sugary substance that attracts ants. To manage aphids, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
