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Lamiaceae
Pycnanthemum

not marked as a favorite taxon Pycnanthemum muticum (Michaux) Persoon.

Glossary (beta!)

Origin/Endemic status: Native Basionym: Brachystemum muticum Michx. 1803

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Heliophily ⓘ: 9

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Horticultural Information

NCBG trait

Intro: Erect, rhizomatous perennial of bogs, wet meadows and moist to wet forests.

Stems: Stems 4-angled, mostly unbranched, furry.

Leaves: Leaves opposite, short-petiolate to sessile, oval to lance-shaped, 1 1/2-3 in. long, with entire margins or finely toothed, finely hairy beneath; all parts with a strong minty fragrance.

Inforescence:

Flowers: Flowers densely packed in flattened-round terminal and axillary clusters that sit on dusty-looking, leaflike bracts covered in white hairs; each flower white to pale pink and purple-spoted, about ¼ in. long, tubular opening 2 lips.

Fruits:

Comments: Flowers produce copious nectar, attracting a wide variety of butterflies and other insects.

Height: 1-3 ft.

plant sale text: Short-toothed mountain-mint produces many tiny flowers of the palest pink color, atop its showy silvery bracts. The nectar and pollen of its flowers attract butterflies and many other beneficial pollinators. All parts of this plant have a strong minty fragrance and typically it is not eaten by deer. Old seed heads and stems may be left in place to provide winter interest. This perennial is vigorous and will spread over time. It is easily grown under most conditions. Cut back its stems as needed if you would like to encourage a more compact habit.

bloom table text: Short-toothed mountain-mint produces many tiny flowers of the palest pink color, atop its showy silvery bracts. The nectar and pollen of its flowers attract butterflies and many other beneficial pollinators. All parts of this plant have a strong minty fragrance and typically it is not eaten by deer. Old seed heads and stems may be left in place to provide winter interest. This perennial is vigorous and will spread over time. It is easily grown under most conditions. Cut back its stems as needed if you would like to encourage a more compact habit.

description: Erect, rhizomatous perennial of bogs, wet meadows and moist to wet forests.

stems: Stems 4-angled, mostly unbranched, furry.

leaves: Leaves opposite, short-petiolate to sessile, oval to lance-shaped, 1 1/2-3 in. long, with entire margins or finely toothed, finely hairy beneath; all parts with a strong minty fragrance.

inflorescence:

flowers: Flowers densely packed in flattened-round terminal and axillary clusters that sit on dusty-looking, leaflike bracts covered in white hairs; each flower white to pale pink and purple-spoted, about ¼ in. long, tubular opening 2 lips.

fruits:

comments: Flowers produce copious nectar, attracting a wide variety of butterflies and other insects.

cultural notes:

germination code:

native range: eastern United States