Pollinator Powerhouses: Pycnanthemum

 

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum muticum

Pycnanthemum muticum or blunt mountain mint is a herbaceous perennial that grows best in full sun to part shade. The best condition to grow the flowers is in full sun. Its preferred soil is most to medium moisture. Blunt mountain mint grows quickly and spreads through its rhizomes. The slow the spread, one may prune the roots in the spring. Mountain mint can grow grassy open places and low woodland areas, but does not grow well in alpine locations despite the name. The dark foliage have a strong spearmint fragrance. The light pink flowers attract butterflies and bees. The leaves can be used to make tea, and Native Americans have used mountain mint for treatment of fevers, stomach aches, and other ailments.

 

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Narrowleaf Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium is a herbaceous perennial and a variety of mountain mint. Narrowleaf Mountain Mint grows easily in dry to medium, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun to part shade. Pycnanthemum tenuifolium can be an aggressive grower but can be cut back by the roots. This variety of mountain mint grows in dry, open fields, rocky woods, and beside streams as opposed to alpine environments. The blooms are white and attract lots of pollinators while the leaves are thin and needle like. All parts of the plant emit a strong, mint-like fragrance.