Pycnanthemum muticum - Broad-leaved Mountain Mint

Sizes available: Landscape plug, 6.00 each or 10 for 48.00, mix and match okay

Basics: zones 3-9, 24-36" x 24-36", full sun to part shade, the flowers are white with a pink of a pale purple tinge and are surrounded by silver bracts. Blooms in mid summer, likes moist meadows and lightly shaded woods, can withstand some drought.

Common names: Broad-leaved Mountain Mint, Short-toothed Mountain Mint, Clustered Mountain Mint, Blunt Mountain Mint

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin/Distribution: Native to southern Maine and west to Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri, south to Texas and Florida. Also occurs in eastern Canada.

Habitat: In the wild this species grows in open grassland with some moisture, low woodlands with light shade and woodland edge. 

More: This plant was my gateway into learning more about native North American species. I was working in a nursery called Greensgrow in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia and this was one of the perennials we had available. It was covered in nectar-seeking insects of all sorts. That, along with its incredible good looks and aromatic foliage, hooked me. So, here we are today. A strong grower that will spread by rhizome with enough moisture, fertility, and light. I find it adaptable to less than optimum conditions and this slows down its tendency to spread. Even so, why wouldn't you want a swath of such a nectar powerhouse that you can also add to your bouquets? Because of its silvery bracts it continues to look good long after it has been pollinated. Has been used medicinally and the leaves can be used to add a minty flavor to teas.

Source: Landscape plugs from New Moon Nursery

Image credit: Honey Petal Plants, image of young potted plant in bloom; image of plant in situ is courtesy of Cathy Dewitt via Creative Commons through the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox