Pycnanthemum verticillatum (Whorled mountain mint)

Whorled mountain mint has hairy stems and leaves, and is more graceful and mint-like in appearance than some other mountain mints. In mid to late summer, it produces clusters of small, white to pale lavender flowers, often speckled with purple. Like other mountain mints it is strongly aromatic with a spearmint fragrance, making it unpalatable to deer and rabbits.

 

This species grows naturally in moist areas so is suitable for rain gardens, but is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making it adaptable to various site conditions. It spreads like mints do to form a clump or colony, albeit somewhat slower in drier settings. Pycnanthemums have shallow roots and can wind their way around taller growing, deeper or denser rooted perennials in a community planting to fill out space.

 

Species of the Pycnanthemum genus are without exception powerhouses for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, moths, and native flies with bountiful nectar, making them a top choice for pollinator gardens.  In many pollinator trials, mountain mints brought in the most diversity of insects, in particular it attracts solitary wasps. Don't be alarmed, in spite of their appearance these wasps are non-aggressive, and will patrol the garden to consume common pest species, such as aphids, beetles and grasshoppers.