Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
I am always amazed at the number of pollinators of all kinds that visit this plant, often at the same time! Its long bloom time makes it a superb choice for those of us who want to keep those pollinators well-fed. Many insects are strongly attracted to the flowers of Mountain Mint, including many different native bees and small butterflies, (illinoiswildflowers.info). Mountain Mint is recommended as a preferred mid-season pollinator plant by the Xerces Society (Xerces.org) and it is the host plant to 4 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Mammalian herbivores rarely bother this plant because the mint fragrance of the leaves and stems repels them. I have had this plant in my garden for a decade and while it does creep, it seems to do so respectfully!
Photo credit: Frank Mayfield
I am always amazed at the number of pollinators of all kinds that visit this plant, often at the same time! Its long bloom time makes it a superb choice for those of us who want to keep those pollinators well-fed. Many insects are strongly attracted to the flowers of Mountain Mint, including many different native bees and small butterflies, (illinoiswildflowers.info). Mountain Mint is recommended as a preferred mid-season pollinator plant by the Xerces Society (Xerces.org) and it is the host plant to 4 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Mammalian herbivores rarely bother this plant because the mint fragrance of the leaves and stems repels them. I have had this plant in my garden for a decade and while it does creep, it seems to do so respectfully!
Photo credit: Frank Mayfield
I am always amazed at the number of pollinators of all kinds that visit this plant, often at the same time! Its long bloom time makes it a superb choice for those of us who want to keep those pollinators well-fed. Many insects are strongly attracted to the flowers of Mountain Mint, including many different native bees and small butterflies, (illinoiswildflowers.info). Mountain Mint is recommended as a preferred mid-season pollinator plant by the Xerces Society (Xerces.org) and it is the host plant to 4 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Mammalian herbivores rarely bother this plant because the mint fragrance of the leaves and stems repels them. I have had this plant in my garden for a decade and while it does creep, it seems to do so respectfully!
Photo credit: Frank Mayfield
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial shade
Soil Moisture: Wet, Medium, Medium-dry
Height: 3 feet
Plant Spacing: 12-18 inches
Bloom Time: June - September
Bloom Color: White
Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Recommended, but can be vigorous
Host Plant: 4 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Complementary Plants: Bee Balm, Ironweed, Blazingstar, Nodding Wild Onion, , Joe-Pye, Swamp Milkweed, Common Ironweed, White Turtlehead, Blue Lobelia
