Mountain Mint (SE Minnesota Ecotype)

Pycnanthemum virginianum

Origin: Eastern North America

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~500

BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED

Lifecycle: Perennial

Mountain Mint's fragrant leaves have a powerful minty odor when even just brushing one's hand over the plant. A popular choice for pollinator gardens, its flat clusters of densely packed small white flower with tiny purple spots bloom just a few at a time. Its branching habit makes it a small bush-like plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. Found in a variety of habitats, and can be grown in medium to medium wet to medium dry soils in full or partial sun. Blooms June-September. This is common Mountain Mint (there are a few other related Mountain Mint species).

Wonderful for pollinators. Has a variety of medicinal uses, including tea.

GROWING TIPS: No stratification is needed. But needs light for germination, so lightly sow on the top of prepared soil.