The following commonly are used in butterfly gardens and are often found for sale in native plant nurseries: There are over 20 native species of mountainmint in the United States. Mountainmints are suggested as an alternative garden plant to the (non-native) invasive oxeye daisy ( Leucanthemum vulgare) which is an aggressively spreading plant that decreases native plant diversity where it takes hold. While the different species of mountainmint can be difficult to tell apart, they are all good garden plants and are worth seeking out. The mountainmints may be a gardeners’ dream come true – attractive, easy to grow, and they are deer resistant! This species also grows to a height of 2-3 feet, prefers sun, and average to dry soil. Hoary Mountainmint – Pycnanthemum incanum – with Hairstreak After the long bloom period, the flower heads dry to an eye-catching dark gray, making it an attractive plant throughout the winter. Rub or crush the leaves and you’ll be rewarded with a sent that confirms that this is a mint family member. The flowers are set off by the leaves that frame them, which a powdery pale blue-green with a velvety looking texture. The foliage of these two species is as showy as the flowers, extending the period of visual appeal.Ĭlustered Mountainmint grows to a height of about 2-3 feet, topped with round heads of tiny white flowers smudged with bright magenta. The genus name, Pycnanthemum, means densely flowered, hinting at the reason that these plants can accommodate so many hungry visitors simultaneously. There are several species of mountainmint, but my favorites are Clustered Mountainmint ( Pycnanthemum muticum) and Hoary Mountainmint ( Pycnanthemum incanum). Like other members of the mint family, these species have clusters of flowers that bloom progressively over a long period of time. The bloom period begins in July, and extends at least through August. From morning until evening these plants are alive with the dance of the pollinators. Mountainmints are in bloom right now, and they are covered with a spectacular variety of butterflies, bees, wasps, and moths! These beneficial pollinators all graze for nectar contentedly, since these plants provide enough food for everyone simultaneously, and over a long period of time. Clustered Mountainmint – Pycnantemum muticum
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