Pycnanthemum muticum
Pycnanthemum muticum | clustered mountain mint
The value of mountain mint in a pollinator garden cannot be overstated. Extremely adaptable and dependable, this species grows in a wide range of soil and light conditions. Topping out at 2-3’ tall, this shorter species spreads by rhizomes and will quickly grow into a dense carpet of minty foliage that is ignored by deer, rabbits, and other common garden critters. This plant’s visual interest comes from its silvery bracts that seem to glow in the garden. And while the tiny flowers themselves are fairly inconspicuous, they provide copious nectar that provides excellent pollinator support for bees and other insects. Use in areas that require a robust and vigorous grower, or pair with other highly competitive garden species to keep it in bounds in a smaller garden setting.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
Pycnanthemum muticum | clustered mountain mint
The value of mountain mint in a pollinator garden cannot be overstated. Extremely adaptable and dependable, this species grows in a wide range of soil and light conditions. Topping out at 2-3’ tall, this shorter species spreads by rhizomes and will quickly grow into a dense carpet of minty foliage that is ignored by deer, rabbits, and other common garden critters. This plant’s visual interest comes from its silvery bracts that seem to glow in the garden. And while the tiny flowers themselves are fairly inconspicuous, they provide copious nectar that provides excellent pollinator support for bees and other insects. Use in areas that require a robust and vigorous grower, or pair with other highly competitive garden species to keep it in bounds in a smaller garden setting.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
Pycnanthemum muticum | clustered mountain mint
The value of mountain mint in a pollinator garden cannot be overstated. Extremely adaptable and dependable, this species grows in a wide range of soil and light conditions. Topping out at 2-3’ tall, this shorter species spreads by rhizomes and will quickly grow into a dense carpet of minty foliage that is ignored by deer, rabbits, and other common garden critters. This plant’s visual interest comes from its silvery bracts that seem to glow in the garden. And while the tiny flowers themselves are fairly inconspicuous, they provide copious nectar that provides excellent pollinator support for bees and other insects. Use in areas that require a robust and vigorous grower, or pair with other highly competitive garden species to keep it in bounds in a smaller garden setting.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
HABIT
Height: 2-3’
Bloom Time: mid- to late summer
SITE CONDITIONS
Light: full sun, part shade
Soil: medium-wet, average, medium-dry
CULTIVATION TIPS
Establishment: colonizes quickly by rhizomes, allow ample space or plant with other vigorous species
Deer Resistance: high
INTERACTIONS
Pollinator Support: very high
CONSERVATION
Native Range: local ecotype
Seed Origin: Fairfield County, CT