Pycnanthemum muticum - Clustered Mountain Mint

Mountain mints are bee favorites and the foliage has a very pleasant smell. An ornamental mountain mint, widely used in planting. All parts of the plant emit a strong, mint-like aroma when crushed. Clump-forming and less spreading than Pycnanthemum tenuifolium. "These native mints, close relatives of beebalm, have a strong and very pleasant odor when the foliage is crushed. Many anecdotal reports and long-term observation by Xerces staff assert that these plants are a honey bee favorite... The shallow nectaries of mountain-mint and its seemingly abundant nectar attract an amazing parade of bees, beneficial solitary wasps, flies, beetles and small butterflies such as hairstreaks." - 100 Plants to Feed the Bees Height: 2-3 ft Sun: Sun to partial shade Water: Medium Bloom color: Silvery bracts and pinkish flowers Bloom time: July, August, September