
American mountain mint
Pycnanthemum virginianum (American mountain mint) is a 3-foot tall perennial topped with dense clusters of white flowers in summer that attract a multitude of bees, flies, and other pollinators.
The entire plant, but most especially its foliage, gives off a strong minty aroma when crushed or bruised. American mountain mint puts up thin, branching stalks from an expanding base. Each hairy stalk has whorls of thin, needle-like leaves that make for a bushy appearance by late spring.
Botanical Name | Pycnanthemum virginianum |
Common Name | American mountain mint |
Family | Lamiaceae |
USDA Zone | 3 thru 7 |
Light Requirement | Full Sun |
Season(s) of interest | summer, fall, winter |
Height and Spread | 2-3ft x 1-1.5ft (60-90cm x 30-45cm) |
Flower Color | White |
Attracts Wildlife | Hosts Caterpillars of Butterflies/Moths, Attracts Pollinators, Rarely Browsed by Mammalian Herbivores |
Additional Information | Native to Chicago Region. Attracts Large Quantities of Pollinators – especially bees and flies. |
Location in Lurie Garden | Northwest Light Plate, Extrusion Plaza |
Average Flowering Time
