Pycnanthemum tenuifolium
Narrowleaf Mountain mint
Please register or login to build your personal plant list.Narrowleaf Mountain mint is a hardy, aromatic perennial with slender leaves and clusters of white to lavender flowers that attract pollinators and...
Description:
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain mint) is a perennial herb native to New Jersey. It typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and features slender, lance-shaped leaves that emit a strong, minty aroma when crushed. The plant produces clusters of small, white to pale lavender flowers from mid-summer to early fall, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Narrowleaf Mountain mint thrives in well-drained soils and full to partial sun, making it an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, pollinator habitats, and naturalized landscapes. Known for its aromatic foliage and medicinal properties, it is also deer-resistant and drought-tolerant. When breaking down the scientific name, Genus Pycnanthemum draws from the Greek word pyknos, meaning dense, and anthos meaning flower for its densely packed flowers. This characteristic enables many pollinators to visit at the same time.
*Note: Like many flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family), this plant is a vigorous and can sometimes grow aggressively.*
Plant Details:
Other Common Names: Slender Mountain mint
Plant Type: Flower, Perennial
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Summer, Late Summer to Fall
Bloom Colors: White
Deer Resistance: Some
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies
Salt Tolerance: Medium
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Grows in Special Ecoregions: Pinelands
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Clay
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Full Sun
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Drought Tolerance: High
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 2 - 3 ft
Spread: 2 - 3 ft
Growth Rate: Fast