Pycnanthemum muticum (Clustered Mountain Mint)

This species is called clustered, blunt, or short-toothed mountain mint, known for its silvery tops of leaves (called bracts) crowning nearby the white clusters of flowers. 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.

Mountain mint is a powerhouse for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, moths, and native flies, making it 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.