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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: This narrow leaved mountain mint isn’t actually found in the mountains. It grows in dry, open, rocky woods, dry prairies and fields, along roadsides, along streams and in open wet thickets. An erect, many-branched, herbaceous perennial that grows 2-3′ tall and features extremely narrow, almost needle-like leaves and profuse terminal clusters of small, white flowers which bloom in mid to late summer. All parts of the plant emit a strong, mint-like aroma when crushed.

HABITAT & HARDINESS: Pycnanthemum tenufolium is found throughout the eastern and central United States growing in a wide variety of habitats including dry, open, rocky woods, dry prairies and fields, pine barrens, along roadsides, along streams and in open wet thickets.

This species is hardy in USDA zones 4-8

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, commonly known as Narrowleaf Mountain Mint, is a native perennial herb prized for its unique flowers and aromatic foliage.

Displaying clusters of small, tubular flowers in a terminal inflorescence, the plant blooms in mid to late summer with delicate white to pale lavender blossoms that attract bees and butterflies. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves, arranged oppositely along the stems, boast a grayish-green color and emit a delightful minty fragrance when crushed. This aromatic foliage contributes to the plant’s overall appeal and sensory charm in the garden.

With an upright, bushy habit and square stems, Narrowleaf Mountain Mint reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet, forming an attractive clump. Adaptable to various soil types and thriving in full sun to partial shade, this perennial is not only visually pleasing but also valuable for supporting pollinators and beneficial insects.

Whether featured in pollinator gardens, herb gardens, or naturalized landscapes, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium adds a touch of grace and ecological benefit to garden settings.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this native plant prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate various soil types, making it adaptable to different garden conditions. Narrowleaf Mountain Mint is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Maintenance is minimal, involving regular deadheading to encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding. The plant’s tendency to form dense clumps may require division every few years to maintain its vigor.

LANDSCAPE USES: Fragrance Garden; Butterfly Garden; Beneficial Insects; Cottage Garden; Cut/Dried Flower Garden; Deer Resistant Plantings; Herb Garden; Low Maintenance Gardens; Mass/Group Planting; Meadow/Prairie; Medicinal Garden; Native Plant Garden; Naturalizing; Perennial Borders; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden; Restoration/Conservation; Pollinator garden, butterfly garden, perennial borders, cottage gardens, rain gardens, herb gardens, deer-resistant gardens, cut flower gardens, drought-resistant plantings.

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS: Try pairing Pycnanthemum tenuifolium with Echinacea purpurea; Monarda fistulosa; Liatris spicata; Asclepias tuberosa; Rudbeckia hirta; Agastache foeniculum; Penstemon digitalis; Coreopsis tripteris; Coreopsis lanceolata; Coreopsis rosea; Solidago rugosa; Solidago speciosa; Solidago nemoralis; Symphiotrichum novae-angliae; Symphiotrichum oblongifolium; Symphiotrichum laeve; Symphiotrichum laterifolium; Symphiotrichum cordifolium; Liatris spicata; Liatris aspera; Liatris ligulistylus; Liatris pycnostachya; Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’; Liatris scariosa; Liatris microcephala; Penstemon hirsutus; Penstemon smallii;  Pycnanthemum muticum; Achillea millefolium; Agastche foeniculum; Monarda fistulosa; are suitable substitutes depending on the garden intent and the cultural conditions of the site.