Pycnanthemum flexuosum - Appalachian Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum flexuosum - Appalachian Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum flexuosum - Appalachian Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum flexuosum - Appalachian Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum flexuosum - Appalachian Mountain Mint


Butterfly FriendlyFull SunDeer ResistantRain GardenPart Shade
DESCRIPTION
Appalachian Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum flexuosum

An aromatic, summer blooming, herbaceous perennial that produces silvery white, globular flowers on sturdy, upright stems. Blooms for an extended period of time, flowers are prominently displayed above clean, green foliage from summer into fall. A good soil stabilizer, this species spreads via underground stems, but won’t take over the garden. Foliage develops an attractive red tinge in autumn. A larval host plant for the gray hairstreak butterfly; incorporate in the perennial border, rain garden, or near the vegetable garden to entice pollinators. syn. Koellia hyssopifolia

Benefits

  • Aromatic, summer/fall blooming perennial with cool, fuzzy white flowers
  • Larval host for the gray hairstreak butterfly
  • Resistant to rabbit and deer browsing
  • Spreads via rhizomes but not aggressively
  • Great in helping with soil erosion
  • Fragrant foliage takes on a red tinge along the margin
NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Native to the coastal plain, Pycnanthemum flexuosum occurs in moist savannas and pocosin margins from southeast Virginia into northern Florida. It is common in southeastern North Carolina.

Map Credit: The Biota of North America 
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)

INTERESTING FACTS
Beneficial wasps use other insects to house and feed their developing young. Many of the insects these wasps parasitize are considered garden pests, making them an incredibly important ally for gardeners who wish to keep pest populations in check.The vast majority of these wasps are incapable of stinging humans, and since they are so very small, most gardeners aren’t even aware of their presence.

 

GROWING TIPS

 

Old flowering stems can be cut to ground level in late winter. 

 

Mature Size: 2-3ft. Tall x 3-4ft. Wide

Hardiness Zone: 6-8

Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

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    American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose

    Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:

    • Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
    • Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
    • Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
    • Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
    • Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
    • Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
    • Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted

    Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success

    Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice. 

    When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife. 

    A Special Note About Exposure

    Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
    Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
    Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.

    DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

    Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download

    Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download

    Best Plants for Birds - Double sided printout for download