American mountain mint
Pycnanthemum virginianum
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, meadows, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist soil of most types. Tiny white flowers often have purple spots and bloom in dense clusters from early summer into early autumn. Butterflies and bees visit the fragrant plant. It can spread aggressively, so give it room, though it behaves better in drier soil.
Pairs well with Swamp milkweed, Switchgrass, and Aromatic aster.
Native range
Eastern United States.