Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum pilosum
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Pl. 0789 — Pycnanthemum pilosum
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IOverview
Overview
Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum pilosum) is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and Ontario. It thrives in habitats ranging from dry to moist conditions and prefers light, medium, or heavy soil types. This plant can be found in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Known for its edible leaves, which are often used in culinary applications, Mountain Mint also has ornamental value due to its attractive appearance. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 1.5 meters tall, making it a noticeable addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Mountain Mint?
Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum pilosum) is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and Ontario. It thrives in habitats ranging from dry to moist conditions and prefers light, medium, or heavy soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain Mint thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall as a perennial herb. For best results, propagate via division or seed. Harvest the leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain Mint for the first time
8steps
Start with Mountain Mint by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a simple addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Mountain Mint plants or seeds, gardening gloves, a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure it gets full to partial sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground after danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, transplant young plants into your garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly until plants are established. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry and mulch to retain moisture. Prune in spring to encourage new growth and remove dead leaves.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain shape and promote bushiness. Cut back after flowering for a second flush of blooms.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 29 native· 1 introduced
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:New York, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ontario, Iowa, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, Masachusettes, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., Vermont, West Virginia
introduced:New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0789a6a7-cc9b-43ae-9204-3ec085bdf21c
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