Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint)

Prized for its long blooming season and exceptional value to pollinators, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint) is a stiff, upright, many-branched perennial with aromatic foliage. Its very narrow, almost needle-like leaves create a fine-textured, silvery-green appearance and release a pleasant minty fragrance when crushed. From early summer into early fall, numerous small, white, two-lipped flowers are packed into dense clusters at the tips of the stems.

The nectar-rich flowers attract an impressive diversity of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Swallowtails are frequent nectar visitors. Narrowleaf Mountain Mint also serves as a larval host plant for the Gray Hairstreak butterfly and the Wavy-lined Emerald moth. The aromatic leaves have traditionally been used to flavor teas.

Tough, adaptable, and easy to grow, Narrowleaf Mountain Mint is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, wildlife gardens, prairies, meadows, woodland edges, and naturalized areas where it has room to spread. Although it expands by rhizomes and can form sizable colonies, its spread is generally easy to manage by dividing or removing unwanted growth.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm). Spreads by creeping rhizomes and may form colonies over time.
• Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of drought, clay, and dry soil once established.
• Ideal for prairies and meadows, native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, wildlife gardens, and naturalized areas.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by cuttings in early summer or by division in late fall or early spring.
• Native to eastern North America.
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