Pycnanthemum muticum

Pycnanthemum muticum: Silver-Tipped Pollinator Powerhouse

Fragrant, floriferous, and buzzing with life, Pycnanthemum muticum—commonly known as short-toothed mountain mint—is a native perennial that thrives in sunny gardens with a wild edge. Its broad, aromatic foliage is topped in midsummer by dense clusters of soft pink flowers framed by silvery bracts, creating a shimmering effect in the border. Beloved by bees and butterflies, this upright, clump-forming plant offers outstanding pollinator value and gentle structure in naturalistic plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm
• Flower Colour: Pale pink with silvery bracts
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Broad, aromatic green leaves with a minty scent
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Pycnanthemum muticum is an exceptional plant for pollinator gardens, prairie-style plantings, and low-maintenance borders. Its foliage provides seasonal fragrance and texture, while the flower clusters glow with a silvery sheen that adds brightness in late summer. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and long-blooming, it brings a wild elegance to any sunny planting scheme.

Companion Plants: Pair with the crisp white daisies of Echinacea 'PowWow White', the compact golden blooms of Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar', and the upright blue-green blades of Schizachyrium scoparium for a vibrant, pollinator-rich combination full of texture, contrast, and late-season colour.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Water regularly to establish, then only during prolonged drought. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Although not aggressive, plants can be divided every few years to manage size and vigour.

History: Native to eastern North America, Pycnanthemum muticum has long been used for its aromatic foliage and ecological value. Its dense flower clusters and strong pollinator appeal have made it increasingly popular in both ecological restoration and ornamental landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Bold, buzzing, and beautifully silvered, Pycnanthemum muticum adds dynamic life and soft structure to sun-drenched plantings—where fragrance and function meet with graceful style.