Pycnanthemum tenuifolium
Cutleaf Mountain Mint
This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Shop Available PycnanthemumItem #: 405
Zones: 6a to 8b, at least
Dormancy: Winter
Height: 28" tall
Origin: United States
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Wonderful unknown mountain mint forming a dense clump of foliage similar to asparagus fern. Topped with small white button flowers in summer.
Maintenance:
Cut last year's stems to the ground before new growth starts in spring, or whenever they get shabby or you tire of their presence. Generally the seed heads remain attractive all winter like a great multitude of tiny Sedum 'Herbstfreude' (Autumn Joy) heads. This is all it requires in the way of maintenance.
Of the 20 species of Pycnanthemum, some are clump forming, others are spreading. The clump forming species are suitable even to a small sunny garden. The spreading Mountain Mints are perhaps better suited to larger gardens where larger masses of ground covering plants are desired.
Growing Conditions:
Sun to part sun is best both for flowering and the pollinators which flock to the flowers. Average soil conditions preferred.
Garden Value:
The Mountain Mints are superb supporters of a wide range of pollinating insects, especially so for many species are in bloom for several months. Beyond the importance of supporting pollinators there is the shear joy and entertainment of watching a wide range of insects working these flowers; a veritable Serengeti Plains in a few square feet of ones garden. They are attractive in bloom as well in their winter forms and are usually avoided by deer and rabbits.
Natural Impact:
Include in any sunny garden where one hopes to support pollinating insects.