Narrowleaf Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

Narrowleaf Mountain Mint is named for the fine, thread-like leaves that give the whole plant a delicate, airy texture compared to its broader-leaved relatives. But the fragrance is just as strong. the same sharp spearmint scent when brushed or crushed. and the pollinator performance is equally impressive. The small white flowers bloom in midsummer from July through August, and the surrounding bracts take on a silvery-frosted appearance that makes the whole upper portion of the plant look dusted with silver while in bloom. This is one of the most graceful-looking mountain mints, the narrow foliage and fine texture making it a better fit for polished borders where broader-leaved species might feel too coarse. It performs well in moist to average soils and spreads by rhizome at a moderate rate. The pollinator traffic in summer is consistent and diverse. a reliable draw for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects through the peak summer season. Leave the seed heads standing through fall for late-foraging bees and seed-eating birds.