Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint)

Narrowleaf or slender mountain mint, known for its shorter height and small, is known for its needle-like leaves and more compact flower clusters. This species grows naturally in medium to dry areas, such as grasslands, gravely areas, and dry open woods. It also seems to occur in wet areas, such as in shaded well draining ditches, and has no problem being shadowed by taller plants, but performs best so so long as it has lots of sun.

Like other mountain mints it is strongly aromatic with a spearmint fragrance, making it unpalatable to deer and rabbits. It spreads like mints do to form a clump or colony. 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.

Please note: These plants are last-year's stock and need some TLC. They will do well in the following year once planted, but have damaged leaves and growth.