Pycnanthemum pilosum
Nutt.
Mountain Mint, Whorled mountainmint
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Herbarium: Vascular Plants (NCU-Vascular Plants)
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The Trustees of Indiana University
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MBG
Description
Pycnanthemum pilosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Tea. Flower buds and leaves - raw or cooked. A nice addition to salads or used as a condiment. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a delicious mint-like tea.
Distribution
Eastern N. America - Ontario and Michigan south to Tennessee, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
Succeeds in most soils but prefers a rich loamy soil in full sun or partial shade with plenty of moisture in the growing season. A good butterfly plant.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If there are sufficient seeds they can be sown in an outdoor seedbed in April. Division in spring.
