Hoary Mountainmint
(Pycnanthemum incanum)
Hoary Mountainmint (Pycnanthemum incanum)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-08-23T07:59:11-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pycnanthemum incanum, commonly known as Hoary Mountainmint, is an herbaceous perennial native to open woodlands, meadows, and grassy slopes in Eastern North America. It typically grows to 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 m) in height and can spread to about 4 feet (1.2 m) wide. The plant is characterized by its square stems covered with a soft, whitish down, giving it a frosted appearance. The leaves are aromatic, and when crushed, they emit a strong minty fragrance, which can be used to flavor teas. From July to September, Hoary Mountainmint produces dense clusters of white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators such as butterflies, moths, honeybees, and wasps.
Hoary Mountainmint is valued for its ability to attract beneficial insects and for its aromatic foliage, which can be used in herbal teas. It is often used in native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, and as a naturalized ground cover. This plant is adaptable to various soil types, but prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and part shade. While it is a vigorous grower, spreading by long rhizomes, it is not typically invasive. However, gardeners should be aware of its spreading habit and may need to manage its growth to prevent it from overtaking smaller plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Hoary Mountainmint is valued for its ability to attract beneficial insects and for its aromatic foliage, which can be used in herbal teas. It is often used in native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, and as a naturalized ground cover. This plant is adaptable to various soil types, but prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and part shade. While it is a vigorous grower, spreading by long rhizomes, it is not typically invasive. However, gardeners should be aware of its spreading habit and may need to manage its growth to prevent it from overtaking smaller plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, meadows, and grassy slopes in Eastern North America
Other Names
Common Names: Hoary Mountain-Mint, Hoary Basil, Wild Basil, Hoary Mountain Mint, Pycnanthème Gris
Scientific Names: , Pycnanthemum incanum, Koellia incana, Clinopodium incanum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pycnanthemum incanum (L.) Michx.