Pycnanthemum virginianum
Pycnanthemum (Mountain Mint) is a plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are herbaceous plants with narrow, opposite, simple leaves, on wiry, green stems. The flowers are clustered in tight heads and native pollinators love it!
The genus, Pycnanthemum contains around 20 species, all of which are native to North America. They have a strong mint scent and can be used to make tea (except Pycnanthemum muticum, which, although minty, is toxic).
Pycnanthemum thrives in full sun or partial shade in a wide variety of soil types. Consistent water is beneficial early in the growing season, but as summer progresses, it becomes more drought-tolerant. In the garden, Pycnanthemum is much more attractive in part to full sun. Most are stoloniferous, and will spread to fill in areas that need some plant volume.
Pycnanthemum sap is a natural insect repellent (especially the aforementioned Pycnanthemum muticum) and can be rubbed on the skin or stuffed into your pocket. While butterflies ignore the repellent leaves, they love to visit the flowers as do a plethora of amazing insects. Deer do not eat them as they avoid minty fragrances.
For variety, plant several mountain mints. They will be covered with a spectacular array of butterflies, bees, wasps, and moths! From morning until evening these plants are alive with the dance of the pollinators!
We carry Pycnanthemum pilosum, Pycnanthemum virginianum, Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides and Pycnanthemum muticum.
Prices listed are subject to change, based upon size change and availability.
We are a small local nursery with limited shipping capability. We will do our best to ship smaller material (usually 1 or 2 gallon), although we can sometimes ship larger plants with the pots removed.
We have some species that are not listed, as we have too few of them to make a full listing plausible. You can always inquire.
We will consider contract growing an order with appropriate advance notice and availability of seed, cuttings or lining out stock.