Mountain Mint

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Perennial

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Eastern U.S.A.

Cultivation

A 2-4' tall plant with silvery blue foliage that releases an intense mint fragrance when crushed. Produces flat-topped inflorescenses with pink flowerheads in July and August.
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Moisture and Soil: Moist to medium soil.

Propagation

Seed Treatment and Storage: Store dry. Seeds germinate easily without pre-treatment.

Biocultural value

Blue mountain mint 's aromatic foliage can be used as a culinary mint. The leaves make a tasty and soothing herbal tea.

Wildlife value

Pycnathemum flowers attract a wide range of bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and beetles, most of whom seek nectar. Mammalian herbivores and leaf-chewing insects avoid the strong-smelling foliage. Seed Treatment and Storage: Store dry. Seeds germinate easily without pre-treatment.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, North Walk

Source of plant

Select Seeds, Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Description

Stems to 3' in height, hairy; leaves of main stem short-petioled, ovate to broadly ovate-lanceolate, to2 1/2" long, acuminate, obtuse to subcordate, serrate, glabrous or nearly so; heads terminal andaxillary, outer bracts leafy, pubescent; calyx pinkish.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Status

L1|S2S3|G5