Hairy Mountain Mint (Phycnanthemum pilosum) Plugs
Hairy Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum pilosum) is a native wildflower that thrives in hardiness zones 4-8. Although Hairy Mountain Mint is not native to Wisconsin, it is closely related to Common Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum), which can be found in Southern Ontario and the Eastern Midwest.
This plant features small, two-lipped flowers, approximately 1 inch in size, that are densely packed and can range in color from white to lavender with purple spots. It blooms from late summer to early fall, and both the flowers and leaves emit a strong mint aroma.
The flowers are rich in nectar and provide pollen, making them attractive to a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, beetles, moths, and native bees. Additionally, Hairy Mountain Mint serves as a host plant for several species, including the stink bug (Neottiglossa cavifrons), curved-tooth geometer moth (Eutrapela clemataria), sage plume moth (Anstenoptilia marmarodactyla), and the moth (Chionodes pseudofondella).
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of 1-3 feet. It thrives in sandy, loamy, and clay soils, particularly in consistently moist, well-drained conditions. Its hairy gray foliage consists of narrow leaves that are approximately ¾ inch wide and 3 inches long, arranged opposite on square stems covered in fine hairs that give a silvery appearance when dewy.
The seed heads are an excellent food source for hungry birds. Hairy Mountain Mint has a root system composed of a taproot and rhizomes. It spreads through its rhizomes, allowing for division of the roots in spring for transplanting. Companion plants include Rudbeckia and Monarda, and both deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Historically, fresh or dried leaves were brewed into a delightful mint-like tea believed to alleviate headaches, menstrual cramps, and digestive issues. The leaves also make an excellent addition to potpourri.
Hairy Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum pilosum) is a native wildflower that thrives in hardiness zones 4-8. Although Hairy Mountain Mint is not native to Wisconsin, it is closely related to Common Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum), which can be found in Southern Ontario and the Eastern Midwest.
This plant features small, two-lipped flowers, approximately 1 inch in size, that are densely packed and can range in color from white to lavender with purple spots. It blooms from late summer to early fall, and both the flowers and leaves emit a strong mint aroma.
The flowers are rich in nectar and provide pollen, making them attractive to a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, beetles, moths, and native bees. Additionally, Hairy Mountain Mint serves as a host plant for several species, including the stink bug (Neottiglossa cavifrons), curved-tooth geometer moth (Eutrapela clemataria), sage plume moth (Anstenoptilia marmarodactyla), and the moth (Chionodes pseudofondella).
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of 1-3 feet. It thrives in sandy, loamy, and clay soils, particularly in consistently moist, well-drained conditions. Its hairy gray foliage consists of narrow leaves that are approximately ¾ inch wide and 3 inches long, arranged opposite on square stems covered in fine hairs that give a silvery appearance when dewy.
The seed heads are an excellent food source for hungry birds. Hairy Mountain Mint has a root system composed of a taproot and rhizomes. It spreads through its rhizomes, allowing for division of the roots in spring for transplanting. Companion plants include Rudbeckia and Monarda, and both deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Historically, fresh or dried leaves were brewed into a delightful mint-like tea believed to alleviate headaches, menstrual cramps, and digestive issues. The leaves also make an excellent addition to potpourri.
Hairy Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum pilosum) is a native wildflower that thrives in hardiness zones 4-8. Although Hairy Mountain Mint is not native to Wisconsin, it is closely related to Common Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum), which can be found in Southern Ontario and the Eastern Midwest.
This plant features small, two-lipped flowers, approximately 1 inch in size, that are densely packed and can range in color from white to lavender with purple spots. It blooms from late summer to early fall, and both the flowers and leaves emit a strong mint aroma.
The flowers are rich in nectar and provide pollen, making them attractive to a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, beetles, moths, and native bees. Additionally, Hairy Mountain Mint serves as a host plant for several species, including the stink bug (Neottiglossa cavifrons), curved-tooth geometer moth (Eutrapela clemataria), sage plume moth (Anstenoptilia marmarodactyla), and the moth (Chionodes pseudofondella).
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of 1-3 feet. It thrives in sandy, loamy, and clay soils, particularly in consistently moist, well-drained conditions. Its hairy gray foliage consists of narrow leaves that are approximately ¾ inch wide and 3 inches long, arranged opposite on square stems covered in fine hairs that give a silvery appearance when dewy.
The seed heads are an excellent food source for hungry birds. Hairy Mountain Mint has a root system composed of a taproot and rhizomes. It spreads through its rhizomes, allowing for division of the roots in spring for transplanting. Companion plants include Rudbeckia and Monarda, and both deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Historically, fresh or dried leaves were brewed into a delightful mint-like tea believed to alleviate headaches, menstrual cramps, and digestive issues. The leaves also make an excellent addition to potpourri.