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Pycnanthemum incanum

Phonetic Spelling
pik-NAN-thee-mum in-KAN-num
Description

Hoary mountain-mint, so called because of the hoary/white appearance of the upper leaves and bracts beneath its flower clusters, is in the Lamiaceae family. It is an erect, many-branched perennial that typically grows 2-3' tall on square stems like all members of the mint family. It can be used to help stop erosion, it is drought tolerant, and grows well even in dry soils. It roots by stems and self seeds easily, naturalizing in a landscape so be aware of its weedy tendencies.

Hoary Mountainmint is an herbaceous perennial that may grow to 5 feet tall. The stem is densely covered with short white hairs. The leaves are opposite with a toothed margin and white top. White or lilac flowers with purple spots first mature in mid summer and continue into early fall.

Fire Risk: This plant has a medium flammability rating. 

Seasons of Interest:

     Bloom: Summer, fall; Fruit/Nut/Seed: Fall

 

More information on Pycnanthemum.

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Tags:
#showy flowers#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#fall flowers#white flowers#purple flowers#fragrant leaves#native perennials#fire medium flammability#NC native#pest resistant#summer flowers#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#native garden#naturalizes#pollinator plant#native wildflower#larval host plant#food source fall#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#butterfly friendly#nectar plant midsummer#nectar plant late summer#Audubon#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#stormwater demo garden orange co#perennial#weed#wildflower#herb garden#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#fall flowers#white flowers#purple flowers#fragrant leaves#native perennials#fire medium flammability#NC native#pest resistant#summer flowers#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#native garden#naturalizes#pollinator plant#native wildflower#larval host plant#food source fall#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#butterfly friendly#nectar plant midsummer#nectar plant late summer#Audubon#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#stormwater demo garden orange co#perennial#weed#wildflower#herb garden#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Pycnanthemum
    Species:
    incanum
    Family:
    Lamiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern U.S.A. to Indiana
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. This plant provides nectar for pollinators. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, especially smaller species like hairstreaks, and many other insects.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Hoary mountain-mint is highly deer resistant.
    Edibility:
    Leaves and flowers used for tea
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Herb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • 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.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    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.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Good Dried
    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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    White
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    Yes
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Hoary stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Edible Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Erosion
    Problems:
    Weedy