Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly called mountain mint, is a staff favorite for its pollinator-attracting power.
Don’t let its funny-looking name intimidate you (and if it did, don’t worry: it’s pronounced pick-NAN-thugh-mum): this is simply one of the very best native perennials for attracting a host of pollinators – particularly valuable native bees – to your garden. They flock by the dozen to the tiny, extremely nectar-rich flowers that appear all summer into fall. Even though those actual flowers aren’t terribly showy, this plant still looks showy in the garden thanks to the set of silvery leaves that festoon the top of each stem.
Growing naturally over a large portion of eastern North America, this durable perennial grows well in full sun and wet to dry soil. It can be quite vigorous in wet soils, however, so if you don’t want it to spread, try growing under drier conditions. Long, slender stems intermix nicely with other perennials, and the silvery effect of the leaves brings a welcome cool tone to summer gardens. Oh, and they’re fragrant, giving off a pleasant resinous mint scent if rubbed.
All this combined earned mountain mint the coveted 2025 Perennial Plant of The Year award from PPA!
Vital details:
Plant size:1-3′ tall and wide
Light: full sun (6+ hrs/day)
Water:Average moisture
Hardiness: USDA zone 4-8 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator value: attractsan array of pollinators, especially native bees
Notable features: fragrant, native, long blooming.
Pot size: one quart
Plant name:Pycananthemum muticum
