Appalachian Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum flexuosum
Zones 2–8
Growing
If you enjoy the aromatic scent of crushed herbs, you will appreciate the minty, thyme-like fragrance released when you brush against the foliage of this native perennial. Because this plant belongs to the mint family, it is quite easy to establish in your garden using divisions or cuttings, though you can also start it from seed. When planting, ensure your soil remains evenly moist and stays within a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. This species is a wonderful addition to containers or garden beds where you want a single upright stem to provide structure.
As a hardy perennial, it is capable of surviving hard freezes, making it a reliable choice for much of the Eastern United States. While it can handle various light conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade, it will thrive best when its water needs are met with regular watering. You may notice the plant spreading naturally in your landscape as it drops its own seeds, which can lead to new clusters appearing near the parent plant. This self-seeding habit makes it an excellent choice for adding easy, low-maintenance texture to your pollinator garden.
| Sun | full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | medium |
| Grow time | — |
| Height | 1–3ft |
| Spacing | 12–24in |
| Full sun | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Part shade | ✓ |
| Shade | ✓ |
| Life cycle | perennial |
|---|---|
| Category | — |
| Growth habit | upright |
| Frost tolerance | hardy |
| Height | 1–3ft |
| Spacing | 12–24in |
| Days to bloom | over 150 |
| Native us | ✓ |
| Water | medium |
|---|---|
| Drainage | moist |
| Soil ph min | 6.0 |
| Soil ph max | 7.5 |
| Propagation | |
| Seed | ✓ |
| Cutting | ✓ |
| Division | ✓ |
| Graft | ✗ |
| Tuber bulb crown | ✗ |
| Transplant | ✓ |
| Container ok | ✓ |
| Spread | self seeds |
| Deer resistant | ✓ |
| Drought tolerant | ✓ |
| Toxic to | |
| People | ✗ |
| Pets | ✗ |
| Livestock | ✗ |
| Length | 6–12wk |
|---|---|
| Colors | |
| White | ✗ |
| Yellow | ✗ |
| Orange | ✗ |
| Red | ✗ |
| Pink | ✗ |
| Purple | ✓ |
| Blue | ✗ |
| Green | ✗ |
| Visitors | |
|---|---|
| Honey bees | ✓ |
| Native bees | ✓ |
| Bumblebees | ✓ |
| Butterflies | ✓ |
| Moths | ✓ |
| Hummingbirds | ✗ |
| Beneficial insects | ✓ |
| Nectar | high |
| Pollen | high |
| Larval host | ✓ |
| Specialist bees | ✓ |
| Seed for birds | ✓ |
| Status | none |
|---|---|
| Regions | |
| Northeast | ✗ |
| Southeast | ✗ |
| Midwest | ✗ |
| Plains | ✗ |
| Southwest | ✗ |
| Mountain west | ✗ |
| Pacific northwest | ✗ |
| California | ✗ |
| Hawaii | ✗ |
| State noxious | ✗ |
| Escapes cultivation | ✗ |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Harvest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
References: Wikipedia · how this data is made