Hairy Wood Mint

Blephilia hirsuta

Ecology & Conservation

Proximity Score: 2
Native Status: ❌ Outaouais ❌ Ottawa ❌ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: SE
CEC Eco-Regions: 8 – Eastern Temperate Forests, 8.1 – Mixed Wood Plains, 8.1.3 – Northern Appalachian Plateau and Uplands
Rarity Notes: Critically imperiled in Ontario (S1) and extirpated in Quebec (SX). A single Quebec herbarium specimen exists from Dunham, 1865. VASCAN lists QC occurrence status as extirpated. Not SARA listed. NatureServe global rank G5 (secure globally), Canadian national rank N1.
S22 ON S1, QC SX, G5, N1; S54 1 QC specimen from Dunham 1865; S1 QC extirpated; S26 not SARA listed
Rarity Ranks: QC SX – Extirpated, ON S1 – Critically Imperiled
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: Occurs in rich mesic deciduous woodlands, floodplains, woodland borders and openings, and limestone glades. Associates with Acer saccharum, Carex gracillima, Carya cordiformis, and Cryptotaenia canadensis in mixed hardwood forests. Favours gap dynamics with infrequent low-intensity disturbance that reduces canopy shade.
S10 mesic deciduous woodlands, limestone glades; S7 rich forests, swamps, floodplains; S10 associates listed; S29 gap dynamics

Roles: Fortress/Barrier, Pollinator Attractor
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [HIGH]: S64 Xerces listed (source-classified)]
Notes: A strongly scented plant that may act as an aromatic pest confuser, reducing the ability of pests to find other nearby crops. Good plant for food forests, native woodland, or open woodland gardens.
S29 aromatic pest confuser; S29 food forest plant

✅ Edible

Foraging Notes: Minty leaves can be eaten raw or used to make herbal tea. Fresh or dried leaves are used for infusions.
S29 Leaves eaten raw and used in teas