Pycnanthemum muticum

Common Names

Short-Toothed Mountain Mint, Clustered Mountain Mint, Mountain Mint, Blunt Mountain Mint

Summary

Pycnanthemum muticum is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial in the mint family that forms 2–3 ft tall clumps with aromatic broad leaves and dense clusters of small two-lipped pink to lavender flowers, accented by silvery bracts. Native to the eastern United States, it blooms in mid- to late summer and is a strong pollinator magnet, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects; foliage scent contributes to deer- and rabbit-resistance.

Prefers full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and heat and becomes drought-tolerant once established. Spreads by shallow rhizomes but is not invasive and can be kept in check by pruning or division; hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Suitable for pollinator, native plant, cottage, meadow, border, and rain-garden plantings; propagation is by seed or division.

Lifecycle

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Height

2-3 feet

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun or partial shade

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, adaptable to clay, loam, sand, and chalk, neutral to slightly acidic pH, moisture from moist to medium.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Neutral to slightly acidic

Bloom Color

White to lavender

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

vigorous

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators