This clump-forming, aromatic perennial herb grows up to 3 feet tall and bears flat clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers mid-summer to fall. A pair of silvery-green bracts frames each round flower head, and the crushed leaves have a minty or thyme-like aroma. The plant spreads by shallow rhizomes but is not as invasive as other plants in the Mint family. Also known as blunt mountain mint and short-toothed mountain mint, clustered mountain mint doesn’t actually grow in the mountains. It has no serious disease or pest issues.
Pollinators love this plant! Native bees, flies, beetles, beneficial wasps, skippers, and butterflies visit the blossoms. According to a Facebook posting by Licking Park District, “In the 2013 Penn State Extension Service Pollinator Trial it was rated #1 for longevity of flowers and #1 for diversity of pollinators. During a 2 minute time period, 78 insects visited Pycnanthemum muticum, including 19 bees and syrphid flies!”
Native habitats include open, grassy areas; thickets; bogs; fields; and low woodlands. Great option for naturalizing native plant gardens, cottage gardens, or meadows. Also does well in rain or butterfly gardens or on border edgings.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-3’ tall and 2’ wide.
Prefers full sun or light shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun.
Prefers well-drained moist to average soils. Tolerates clay and drought.
Two-lipped, tubular, pinkish flowers occur July-September in dense, flat-topped clusters.
Branched stems bear ovate to ovate-lanceolate leaves with serrated margins and pointed tips.
Wildlife Value:
Mountain mints are a host plant for 5 species of caterpillars, including the hermit sphinx and tobacco budworm moths.
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Native Americans used this plant to treat fevers, colds, and stomachaches.
The leaves can be used to make a mild tea.
Resources:
Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=293531
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PYMU
Buckeye Yard and Garden Online: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/505
Wikipedia: https://tinyurl.com/3x5hhsnt