This member of the Lamiaceae (mint family) is native to eastern North America from Maine to Michigan to Illinois and south to Florida and Texas.

Is Virginia mountain mint invasive?

It spreads readily and can be invasive. It grows in most soil types, prefers full sun is adaptive to wet to dry-mesic moisture conditions.

Is mountain mint native to Michigan?

This is a native plant, and it's such an easy, fun growing experience.

Where does mountain mint grow?

Mountain mint grows best in zones 4 to 8. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. Its water needs are not great and it tolerates drought well. You can start mountain mint from seed, planting outdoors when the last frost has passed, or you can use transplants.

What is mountain mint good for?

Mountain Mint Herbal and Edible Use. ... The tea is used in herbal medicine for the treatment of menstrual disorders, indigestion, mouth sores and gum disease, colic, coughs, colds, chills and fevers. A strong decoction is said to be helpful poured over festering wounds.

Michigan's Native Americans

What does mountain mint attract?

Due to its seemingly endless supply of nectar, Mountain Mint is one of the top insect attracting flowers in all of North America - beetles, butterflies, moths, wasps, and other bugs are all known to be frequent customers.

Is mountain mint toxic?

All of the mountain mints have a strong mint scent and are commonly used to make tea (all except Pycnanthemum muticum, which although minty is also toxic). ... It likes to have consistent water early on in the growing season but, as summer progresses, Pycnanthemum will become more drought-tolerant.

Should you cut back mountain mint?

Short Toothed Mountain Mint is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter.

Is mountain mint good for bees?

Having said that, any plant in the Pycnanthemum genus (Mountain Mint) is a great choice to include in your landscape. The abundant nectar of Mountain Mints attracts a dizzying array of insects. Mountain Mints draws bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, ants, flies and beetles.

Is mountain mint safe for dogs?

Most varieties of mint are perfectly safe for dogs. Some dog treats and dog food contain mint because it freshens the breath and aids in digestion. But dogs shouldn't eat more than a few leaves per day day. Otherwise, your pet may experience gastrointestinal distress.

How aggressive is mountain mint?

Some people may shy away from P. muticum given the reputation of mints as aggressive spreaders in the garden; however, unlike true mints (Mentha species), blunt mountain mint is not invasive although it will slowly spread by rhizomes.

Is mint native to PA?

There are several species of mountain mints native to Eastern North America, with about 8 species occurring across Pennsylvania. We grow 5 species here at Edge of the Woods. All mountain mints, like true mints, are deer resistant due to their aromatic nature.

Is Virginia mountain mint edible?

Edible uses

Flower buds and leaves - raw or cooked. A mint-like flavour, they make a nice addition to salads or can be used as a condiment. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing mint-like tea.

Does mountain mint repel mosquitoes?

Mountain mint's flowers feed many kinds of beneficial insects. Foliage: The leaves are a soft minty green and fragrant. They are said to repel mosquitoes and can be crushed and rubbed on the skin as a repellent.

Does mountain mint attract butterflies?

Mountain Mints are your answer. Usually blooming from late June through August, Mountain Mints attract a spectacular assortment of butterflies, bees, moths, and other critters. ... The foliage of these two species is as showy as the flowers, enhancing their visual appeal.

Do rabbits eat mountain mint?

All Pycnanthemum species are North American natives. ... Their leaves have a wonderful mint fragrance and may be used in teas. Their strongly aromatic foliage is not bothered by deer or rabbits.

How do you stop mountain mint from spreading?

Regular pruning can help keep the plant better managed or you can grow in containers to minimize its spread. Thanks to this plant's strong minty aroma, mountain mint also functions well in the landscape as an insect repelling border plant around decks or porches.

Should you let mint flower?

Yes, mints produce small white or purple flowers at the end of the stems. I prefer to remove these flowers to force the plants to become bushier, but that's entirely up to you. In addition to being used as flavoring, a stem of mint makes a wonderful addition to a bouquet of flowers.

Why is my mint plant stringy?

Too Much Fertilizer and Nitrogen

Additionally, too much fertilizer can create scraggly stems. Whereas too much fertilizer will make other plants die, it makes mint scraggly and leggy. Especially if there is too much nitrogen, the mint will continue growing, but the plant will look rather scraggly and less full.

Why is my mountain mint dying?

A dying mint plant is usually because of under watering or as a result of mint that is planted in a pot that is too small and therefore has limited moisture and nutrients. If your mint is wilting and turning brown this is likely because of dry soil and under watering.

How fast does mountain mint grow?

Mountain Mint - Key Growing Information

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days. SOWING: Transplant (recommended): Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting out in mid- to late spring.

Is mountain mint a perennial?

Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly called mountain mint or short-toothed mountain mint or clustered mountain mint, is a clump-forming aromatic perennial that typically grows 1-3' tall.

Is Pycnanthemum Muticum deer resistant?

Pycnanthemum muticum is a good choice for a Wildlife Garden or Meadow. ... This species has Showy Blooms and is appropriate for Cottage Gardens, Deer Resistant Plantings, Water-wise Landscapes, Low Maintenance Plantings, Rain Gardens and Perennial Borders.

Is mountain mint a hardy annual?

The plant grows to about 2-3 feet tall. Like mint, it is a hardy perennial, overwintering down to temperatures as low as -20F and will survive in a range of soil types and light exposure. Here in Toronto, mine thrives in one of the hottest, sunniest spots in my garden where the soil is sandy and often dry.

Can you propagate mountain mint from cuttings?

Propagation of mountain mint is primarily done by seed and division. It is difficult to propagate stem cuttings as the shoots quickly develop into woody stems. However the emerging herbaceous stems can be propagated as cuttings.