Pycnanthemum tenuifolium – Slender Mountain Mint (B&B.DR.DRGHT.H.HMR.NB.OP)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Mountain mint is a native, herbaceous perennial wildflower in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its region of origin is from eastern Canada to central and eastern United States.

Mountain mint is found growing in dry meadows, fields, thickets, open woods, upland prairies, and along roadsides. The species epithet is Latin for “narrow leaf” and describes the distinctively linear leaves of this species.

This plant grows in full to partial sun in all types of soil. It prefers acidic soil (pH < 6.0) with good drainage. It can tolerate occasional dry or wet conditions. Mountain mint grows in a clumping form that is stiff, erect and compact to a height of 2 feet, but it can grow up to 4 feet. Planting space requirement is 1 to 3 feet.

The flowers are clusters of many small, two-lipped corollas ranging from whitish to lavender with purple spots. Blooms start when the plant reaches a width of approximately 1 foot wide, and they attract native bees, bumblebees and honey bees.  All parts of the plant have a minty aroma when crushed. Rubbing the leaves on the skin has been used as a mosquito repellent. The dried leaves and flowers may be used in making teas and flavorings.

This plant naturalizes easily and can be used in a rain, pollinator, sensory or edible garden. It may also be grown in meadows and woodlands, near ponds, or on slopes and river banks. It can spread rapidly so it benefits from being confined by hardscape elements in the landscape.

This plant was selected as the 2019 NC Wildflower of the Year, a program managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden with some financial support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.

Host plant for the Wavy-lined Emerald Moth and the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly.