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Pycnanthemum incanum (Hoary mountain mint)
Bloodworth, Stefan

Pycnanthemum incanum (L.) Michx.

Hoary mountain mint, Silverleaf mountain mint

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

USDA Symbol: PYIN

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This stiff, erect, clump-forming mint has whitened leaves subtending the flower clusters. The minty-smelling plants are 3-6 ft. tall and have terminal flower clusters composed of numerous, small, two-lipped corollas varying from whitish to lavender, with purple spots. Small, white to lavender flowers in dense rounded clusters in leaf axils or atop a hairy square stem and branches; white bracts beneath flowers.

The genus name derives from the Greek for dense and flower and aptly describes the crowded flower clusters. The many species are closely related and difficult to distinguish from one another. These plants, particularly the flower clusters, have a very strong odor when crushed.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Purple
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , MI , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WV
Canada: ON
Native Distribution: S.w. NH & NY to s. OH & s. IL, s. to GA & MS
Native Habitat: Thickets; pastures
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Mesic to dry, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Can become invasive but is easily controlled by division every 3-5 years. Foliage in direct sun can become scorched.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Valued primarily for its silvery foliage, secondarily for its flowers.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: No

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Best propagated by cuttings or divisions. Tip cuttings are easy and reliable, taken in June. To make divisions, lift the clump in late fall or early spring and use pruning shears to divide the shallow root system. Seeds are so tiny it is best to plant
Seed Collection: Collect seed after the first few frosts. To check for ripe seed, bend over the stem and shake it; if black seeds fall out, collect right away. Store in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Pycnanthemum incanum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Pycnanthemum incanum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pycnanthemum incanum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-01-30
Research By: TWC Staff

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