Pycnanthemum muticum
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to full shade
• Soils: Dry to moist soils, does well in poor soils
• Bloom Time: Summer blossoms – July, August, September; flower is diminutive bell-shaped red spurs with a yellow center
• Size: 2-3 feet in height, 2 foot spread
Silvery green foliage is nicely aromatic. This native is happiest at the wood’s edge and is excellent for a naturalized border or woodland garden. Also called short-toothed or clustered mountain mint, it is one of the best nectar sources for native butterflies–this is a pollinator magnet! When planted in groups or massed, the silvery bracts give the entire planting the appearance of being dusted by a white powdery snow.
Garden Companions
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta); Bear Tongue (Penstemon digitalis); Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium dubium or E. purpureum)
Nature Benefits
• Nectar source for diverse number of pollinators
• Host for Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) caterpillar
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in rich rocky woods, north-facing slopes, cliffs, ledges, pastures, and roadsides.
Plant Images
