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Makin, Julie
Pycnanthemum virginianum
Pycnanthemum virginianum (L.) T. Dur. & B.D. Jacks. ex B.L. Rob. & Fernald
Virginia Mountain Mint
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Synonym(s): Koellia virginiana
USDA Symbol: pyvi
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Virginia Mountain-mint is a stout perennial, becoming multi-branched toward top of its 2-3 ft. height. Tiny, white, mint-like flowers, often spotted with purple, are arranged in numerous small, dense clusters. The clusters, which bloom only a few at a time, arise from leaf axils at the stem tips. The foliage of this leafy plant is covered with a whitish bloom.
Virginia Mountain Mint is a member of the family Lamiaceae which includes aromatic herbs or shrubs, rarely trees or vines, usually with stems square in cross-section, 4-sided, and flowers in long clusters, heads, or interrupted whorls on the stem. There are about 180 genera and 3,500 species nearly worldwide. The Mediterranean region, the chief area of diversity, has produced many spices and flavorings; various mints, oregano, marjoram, thyme, sage, and basil. Catnip and lavender are in the family.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Fruit: Nutlets.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PurpleBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , ON , QC
Native Distribution: ME to ND, s. to GA & OK
Native Habitat: Wet prairies; stream edges; moist bluffs
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, calcareous soils.
Conditions Comments: Can be aggressive but is less so in drier soil.
Benefit
Attracts: ButterfliesValue to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial 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: Seeds are so tiny it is best to plant them in flats. Divide plants in spring or take tip cuttings in early summer.Seed Treatment: No pretreatment necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Edible Plants for a Virginia Rain Garden
October 21, 2009
Can you recommend edible plants that would be appropriate for use in a rain garden? I'm located in Charlottesville, VA, but this can be in general as well.
view the full question and answer
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FAC | FAC | FAC | FACW | FACW | FAC |
Bibliography
Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. LeyerleBibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Pycnanthemum virginianum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pycnanthemum virginianum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pycnanthemum virginianum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-23Research By: TWC Staff