Each flower has sepals 6–11 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long which are densely hairy or woolly.

[3] Studies in preparation for new editions of the Flora of North America and The Jepson Manual showed that there was "continuous variation" between M. odoratissima and M. villosa.

Traditional characters that had been used to separate the two species varied with location, elevation and soil type.

[6] As of April 2024[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the placement of M. villosa within M. odoratissima.

[4] As of April 2024[update], Plants of the World Online accepted six subspecies of Monardella odoratissima.

[2] When defined broadly to include Monardella villosa, the species is found in western Northern America, from British Columbia in the north via Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington to Arizona, California and New Mexico in south.

[citation needed] Monardella odoratissima will grow in full sun to medium shade.

It can be pruned lightly in the late fall or early winter to create a bushier plant, as it can otherwise be sprawling.