Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Slender Mountain Mint)

A confirmed drought-tolerant, deer-resistant pollinator favorite, slender mountain mint's delicate, needle-fine foliage gives it a more refined look than most of its Pycnanthemum relatives while still delivering the same reliably heavy bee, butterfly, and wasp traffic the genus is known for.

Species Overview

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, commonly called slender or narrowleaf mountain mint, is a native perennial herb found throughout the eastern and central United States. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall, distinguished by extremely narrow, almost needle-like, silvery green leaves and profuse terminal clusters of small white flowers with faint lavender spotting that bloom mid to late summer.

Application

• Pollinator gardens - confirmed above-average pollinator attraction
• Dry, rocky, or open woodland restoration
• Deer-pressured meadow and prairie plantings
• Cut flower production - fragrant, long-lasting blooms

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Rocky, dry to moist soils; adaptable to medium soils
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - A moist-to-dry meadow species, consistent with the general genus (Pycnanthemum) pattern; tolerates periodically wet soil.
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: White; July-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Spreads generously by rhizome to form colonies; easily divided to control spread if a more contained habit is desired.