Blunt Mountain Mint Pycnanthemum muticum
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- pik-NAN-thee-mum mu-tee-kum
- Description
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Blunt mountain mint is a native, herbaceous perennial, wildflower in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to eastern Canada and eastern United States. The species epithet is Latin for “blunt,” and refers to the shape of the bracts below the flowers. They are not exactly "blunt," but they are less pointed than those of other species.
Blunt mountain mint grows in full sun to partial shade and in moist soil with good drainage. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall in a space of 2 to 3 feet. Although blunt mountain mint is not considered invasive, it is a vigorous grower, spreading its rhizomes, in optimum conditions. If spreading is not needed or wanted, the roots should be pruned in the spring with a spade.
The leaves emit a strong spearmint fragrance when crushed. The leaves and flowers may be used for tea.The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.
It is commonly found in woodland areas and thickets. The best landscape uses include butterfly, edible, native, pollinator and rain gardens.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Plant is weedy.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Vegetable, Herb and Mostly Native Pollinator Garden Crowder Park Prairie and Native Plants Garden Beehive Garden, Wake Co
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Pycnanthemum
- Species:
- muticum
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- The leaves can be used for teas.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern Central & Eastern U.S.A
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
- Edibility:
- Leaves and flowers used for tea
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from September to October.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Lipped
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Cluster of two-lipped whitish flowers; lower lip has three lobes and upper lip has two lobes. Less showy than other species in the genus. Blooms from June to August.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Good Dried
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Opposite, broad toothed leaves; rounded at base
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Square stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Edible Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Problems:
- Weedy
