Pycnanthemum verticillatum

Common Names

Whorled Mountain Mint, Hairy Mountain Mint

Summary

Hairy Mountain Mint is a North American herbaceous perennial in the mint family native to eastern North America, with a native range extending from the American Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic and into parts of New England, southern Ontario and Quebec. It forms upright, clump-forming growth about 12–48 inches tall and 12–36 inches wide, with square stems and opposite hairy lanceolate leaves. Brushed foliage releases a minty aroma, and dense clusters of white flowers appear in midsummer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; the plant is deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Prefers full sun to part shade on well-drained soils, and tolerates dry to moist conditions; hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Spreads by underground rhizomes and can be aggressive in the right settings, so plan placement accordingly; spring pruning or division helps keep it in check. Propagation is easy from seed or by division, and little fertilizer is required. Suited for borders, wildflower plantings, massing, and rain gardens, it provides nectar for pollinators and supports pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-4 feet

Spread

18-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soil (including rocky).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Light green to gray-green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Pycnanthemum verticillatum attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; no evidence of attracting hummingbirds or birds in sources.