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Pycnanthemum virginianum (Virginia Mountain Mint)

Pycnanthemum virginianum (Virginia Mountain Mint)

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More information on the 2027 crop to come

A confirmed deer-resistant pollinator essential, Virginia mountain mint is a named larval host for the Pearl Crescent butterfly while drawing honeybees, native bees, and beetles in clouds throughout its long summer bloom - and its high pulegone content doubles as a natural mosquito repellent when rubbed on skin.

Species Overview

Pycnanthemum virginianum, commonly called Virginia or common mountain mint, is a branching, herbaceous perennial in the mint family that grows to 3 feet tall with a bushy habit. Numerous small white flowers with purple dots bloom in sequence at the ends of upper stems in midsummer, with the entire plant emitting a strong mint scent when crushed.

Application

  • Pollinator garden essential - honeybees, native bees, and butterflies all documented
  • Larval host habitat for the Pearl Crescent butterfly
  • Deer-pressured meadow, prairie, and rain garden plantings
  • Natural mosquito-repellent plantings - high pulegone content

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

  • Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to dry soils; tolerates sand, clay, gravel, or loam
  • Drought Tolerance: Moderate
  • 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, Purple; June-August
  • 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: 3-8
  • Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
  • Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

  • Spreads by rhizome to form dense, weed-suppressing colonies; during drought, lower leaves may yellow and drop without harming the plant overall.
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