Loomis's Mountain-mint Pycnanthemum loomisii
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Pycnanthemum incanum var. loomisii
- Phonetic Spelling
- pik-NAN-thee-mum loom-iss-ee-eye
- Description
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Loomis' mountain mint is a native herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is native to the Eastern United States. It is widespread in North Carolina but very rare in the Coastal Plain.
This mountain-mint does best in dry soil in partial shade, occurring naturally in open upland woods, woodland edges, and limestone outcrops. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, and it can quickly colonize a site by self-seeding. These characteristics make Loomis' mountain mint a good choice for erosion control. Be aware of the weedy tendencies of mints.
Loomis' mountain mint grows as an erect, many-branched perennial herb, typically around 3' tall at maturity. The branches terminate in flower heads subtended by bracts and hoary leaves. Flowers are white to lilac with purple spots. The leaves are opposite with toothed margins. This species is difficult to distinguish from hoary mountain mint (Pycnanthemum incanum) and southern mountain mint (P. pycnanthemoides) without examining the seeds. Like other native mountain mints, it is fragrant, edible, and outstanding in a pollinator garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Pycnanthemum
- Species:
- loomisii
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southern United States
- Distribution:
- Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant provides nectar for pollinators. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, especially smaller species like hairstreaks, and many other insects.
- Edibility:
- Leaves and flowers have a mint odor/flavor and are used for tea.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herb
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Mericarps 0.5-1.3 mm long, with a smooth surface, glabrous or with a few short hairs at the tip. Fruit shows in September and October
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Lipped
- Flower Petals:
- asymmetrical petals
- Bracts
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Cluster of small, lobed, two-lipped, whitish to lavender flowers with small purple spots; hoary bracts below the flower. Blooms June to August.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Soft
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 1.5 to 4 in. egg- to lance-shaped, toothed, opposite, stalked leaves with white down (hoary) below.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- White
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- Yes
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Hoary stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Edible Garden
- Garden for the Blind
- Native Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Pollinators
- Predatory Insects
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Erosion
- Insect Pests
- Poor Soil
- Problems:
- Weedy
