Pycnanthemum muticum

PERENNIAL: Pycnanthemum muticum (Short-toothed/Clustered Mountain-mint)

July 1, 2022

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
The flowers of this native may be unassuming, but their nectar enticed the greatest number and diversity of pollinators out of 86 native species and nativars monitored by Penn State Extension and Master Gardeners over a 3-year period. Showy, silvery bracts accent the flower clusters and the foliage exudes a strong minty aroma when crushed.

Featured Glossary word: Canescent

BEE-havior: The “Bubble” Bee – Hylaeus

June 27, 2020

At a mere ¼-inch long, Hylaeus bees do not dominate a flower like fuzzy bumble bees three to six times their size. However, if you have sharp eyes or a zoom camera lens you can appreciate their unique appearance and BEE-havior.

Great Long-Blooming Plants for Pollinators

September 18, 2019

A 2013 plant trial conducted by Penn State Extension, Bees, Bugs & Blooms, ranked three species native to our Mid-Atlantic region as among the best plants for flowering longevity, and in attracting desirable insects. An additional benefit is that deer dislike all three plants. Learn more . . .

Mountain Mints: Minty but No Need for Mountains…

July 17, 2019

Mountain mints are members of the Lamiaceae family native to the Americas. Like others in the mint family, they have square stems and a distinctive smell when crushed or brushed against. They generally grow to 3 feet in clusters spreading by rhizomes.