Pycnanthemum virginianum, commonly known as Common Mountain Mint, is a native perennial herb found in prairies, meadows, woodland edges, and moist thickets throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to a wide range of garden and restoration settings.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and features narrow, lance-shaped, aromatic leaves with a strong minty scent when crushed. From mid to late summer, it produces dense clusters of small, tubular white to pale lavender flowers often dotted with purple. These flowers are highly attractive to a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, and beneficial flies.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Pycnanthemum virginianum is an outstanding choice for pollinator gardens, prairie restorations, and herbaceous borders. It provides long-lasting blooms, supports an incredible diversity of beneficial insects, and resists deer browsing due to its strong scent. It pairs well with Blazing Star, Wild Bergamot, and Black-Eyed Susan for a vibrant, ecologically supportive planting.
Pycnanthemum virginianum, commonly known as Common Mountain Mint, is a native perennial herb found in prairies, meadows, woodland edges, and moist thickets throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to a wide range of garden and restoration settings.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and features narrow, lance-shaped, aromatic leaves with a strong minty scent when crushed. From mid to late summer, it produces dense clusters of small, tubular white to pale lavender flowers often dotted with purple. These flowers are highly attractive to a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, and beneficial flies.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Pycnanthemum virginianum is an outstanding choice for pollinator gardens, prairie restorations, and herbaceous borders. It provides long-lasting blooms, supports an incredible diversity of beneficial insects, and resists deer browsing due to its strong scent. It pairs well with Blazing Star, Wild Bergamot, and Black-Eyed Susan for a vibrant, ecologically supportive planting.
Bloom: mid-summer
Habitats: fens; moist meadows in woodland areas; moist sand prairies; moist to mesic black soil prairies; rocky bluffs; swamps; thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (up to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: clay; loam; gravel; sand
