Slender Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
Slender mountain mint, native to eastern and central United States, offers exceptional ecological benefits, especially in prairie restorations and pollinator gardens. Its dense clusters of nectar-rich flowers support a wide diversity of native bees, butterflies, and beneficial flies, making it a keystone species for midsummer to fall forage. The plant’s upright, rhizomatous growth helps stabilize soil and resist erosion, while its aromatic foliage deters browsing by deer and rabbits—allowing it to persist in challenging sites. Adaptable to dry, rocky soils and full sun, it thrives where other species may falter, helping establish biodiversity into roadsides, field edges, and restoration plots.
Slender mountain mint typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet. Its small, white flowers, often dotted with purple spots, are about 1/4 inch long and bloom in dense, terminal clusters. The leaves are very narrow and almost needle-like, up to 3 inches long and about 1/4 inch wide. They are opposite, linear, and hairless, with a prominent central vein and smooth margins. This plant is quite adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including dry, open rocky woods, dry prairies, fields, along roadsides, stream sides, and in open, wet thickets. It prefers full sun to part shade and can thrive in dry to medium soil conditions. (SF)