Illustration of Pycnanthemum incanum in An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions (1913). [Public Domain]

Genus: Pycnanthemum


Common Names: various


Description coming soon.


Distribution: North America

Our Selection

Pycnanthemum flexuosum


Common name(s): Appalachian mountain mint


Description: perennial; a wildflower native to the SE United States. Very aromatic foliage smells of mint and has historically been used in traditional medicine by indigenous peoples. White flower clusters bloom in summer and attract an incredibly diverse range of pollinators. Unlike true mints (Mentha spp.), mountain mint is not an aggressive spreader and will not take over your garden.


Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.


Position: full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil


Uses: medicine, culinary- herbal teas, to attract pollinators


Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below


Distribution: Southeastern U.S. 

Pycnanthemum muticum


Common name(s): short-toothed mountain mint


Description: perennial; a wildflower native to the Eastern United States. Aromatic, silver-gray foliage smells of mint and has historically been used in traditional medicine by indigenous peoples. Dense white flower clusters bloom in summer and attract an incredibly diverse range of pollinators. Unlike true mints (Mentha spp.), mountain mint is not an aggressive spreader and will not take over your garden.


Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.


Position: full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil


Uses: medicine, culinary- herbal teas, to attract pollinators


Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below


Distribution: Eastern U.S. 

Pycnanthemum verticillatum var. pilosum


Common name(s): American mountain mint, hairy mountain mint


Description: perennial; a wildflower native to the Central and Eastern United States. Densely hairy, aromatic foliage smells of mint and has historically been used in traditional medicine by indigenous peoples. Dense white flower clusters bloom in summer and attract an incredibly diverse range of pollinators. Unlike true mints (Mentha spp.), mountain mint is not an aggressive spreader and will not take over your garden.


Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.


Position: full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil


Uses: medicine, culinary- herbal teas, to attract pollinators


Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below


Distribution: Central and E. U.S.