Pycnanthemum virginianum grows 2’-3’ tall and has narrow, toothless leaves on multi-branched plants. Its terminal clusters of small white blooms are produced in abundance and gradually open from middle to late summer or early fall providing a long season for attracting pollinators. Its leaves have a very strong, minty scent and may be used in teas. It is rhizomatous and may be somewhat aggressive and require some form of restraint, but may be less so in drier soil.
Pycnanthemum virginianum, also called Virginia or American Mountain Mint, is found from North Dakota south to Oklahoma and Mississippi, and northeastward into Maine and Canada. In the wild plants are typically found in the moist soil of meadows, swamps, stream sides, and pond edges.
Pycnanthemum virginianum prefers full sun to part shade and moist to wet soil, but it is tolerant of drier soils and drought.
Pair it with other natives, such as Bee Balm, Gay Feather, Switch Grass, Little Bluestem, Goldenrod or Black-Eyed Susan for a natural planting. Or, tuck one into a container on your deck or patio or in the corner of your vegetable garden to attract pollinating insects to increase your yields.
