Hairy Mountain Mint

Description

Pycnanthemum pilosum, commonly known as Hairy Mountain Mint, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) with a delightful fragrance that typically grows 2-4’ tall.

The nectar-rich flowers are very attractive to many kinds of insects. Among vertebrate animals, Hairy Mountain Mint and other mountain mints have little value as sources of food. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds, while mammalian herbivores display little interest in the foliage, probably because of the chemicals that are associated with its strong mint fragrance.

Livestock tend to avoid plants in the mint family.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best flowering is in full sun. This plant is a vigorous grower that may spread by rhizomes in optimum conditions. If naturalizing is unwanted, prune roots in spring with a spade to keep clumps from spreading. Best when allowed to naturalize in native plant gardens, rock gardens, dry meadows or herb gardens. May be planted in border perimeters as long as spread is monitored, but most gardeners do not consider this plant to have sufficient ornamental merit for a prominent position in the garden.

Habitats include black soil prairies, meadows in wooded areas, rocky upland forests, woodland edges, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. Hairy Mountain Mint is usually found in higher quality natural areas, although it may colonize adjacent disturbed areas. Occasional wildfires or mowing may be beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant if it reduces competition from woody vegetation.

This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Shadows & Sunbeams Mix, Prairie Patchwork, Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix, Streambank Mix, Dry’n Rocky Mix

Videos About This Plant

To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.

Pollinators and Hairy Mountain Mint – We were amazed at the sheer number of pollinators!