Virginia Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

Summary

 

The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden showcases four different species of native mountain mint, all of them stellar native plants for attracting a flurry of pollinator activity. Research has found mountain mint to be one of the most beneficial plants for supporting pollinators.  The tiny magenta-spotted white flowers that bloom against the silvery green leaves might seem insignificant to our human eye, but they’re a big, flashing neon sign for insects seeking nectar.

Aptly named, mountain mints are in the mint family (Lamiaceae), easily identified by their square stems and opposite, aromatic leaves. Experienced gardeners might be wary of planting a “mint” in the garden, knowing their aggressive growing habits. But unlike culinary mints that can run amok, native mountain mints are better behaved and easier to manage. Virginia Mountain Mint (P. virginianum)  tends to be more clump -forming and less aggressive.

More Details

FAMILY

Lamiaceae (Mint)

BLOOM TIME

July-September

FLOWER

White with magenta dot pattern

MATURE SIZE

2-3 feet

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

Sun to Part Sun

SOIL CONDITIONS

Average to wet soils

NATIVE STATUS

PA Native

Ecosystem Connections

Mountain Mint is a party on a plant! Bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, beetles and other beneficial insects are strongly attracted to the flowers; however, mammals and and leaf-chewing insects seem to dislike the foliage’s minty fragrance, and rarely bother this plant. Mountain mints are a host plant for several species of caterpillars. moth.

Scroll to Top