Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint)
Narrowleaf Mountain Mint, Slender Mountain Mint, Common Horsemint, Koellia flexuosa, Pycnanthemum flexuosum
Prized for its long blooming season, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint) is a stiff, erect, many-branched, aromatic perennial adorned with very narrow, almost needle-like, silvery leaves. The leaves exude a pleasant minty fragrance when crushed. In early summer to early fall, an abundance of small, white, two-lipped flowers appear in dense clusters atop the stems. The flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies. The leaves have been used to flavor teas. Narrowleaf Mountain Mint is a good choice for meadows, wildlife gardens, woodland edges where it can roam freely.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm). Can spread aggressively (by creeping rhizomes) but is easily controlled by occasional root division.
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought, clay and dry soil tolerant.
- Best for prairies and meadows, native plant gardens and naturalized areas.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by cuttings in early summer or division in late fall or early spring.
- Native to eastern North America.
Buy Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint)
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Doug McGrady, Peganum, Flickr, Jeff Holcombe, Shuterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |