Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint)

Narrowleaf Mountain Mint is a stiff, erect, clump-forming perennial in the mint family. It is easy to spot by its narrow, silvery leaves, which smell minty when crushed. The plant has profuse clusters of small, tubular, white to lavender flowers. In Texas it is native to the eastern part of the state, where it grows in upland prairies, dry rocky open woods, low wet areas, and fast-draining Post Oak woods. Bees and butterflies are drawn to the flowers. Deer browse the leaves, and a variety of animals eat the seeds. It adapts to moist or dry soils in sun or part shade. As with all the plants in the mint family, it can spread vigorously, so give it room or divide the clump periodically. AT A GLANCE Texas native Yes Water use Medium Sun exposure Sun to part shade Bloom color White, lavender Bloom time Summer Mature height 1-3 ft Mature width 1-3 ft Attracts Bees, birds, butterflies, beetles, moths, small mammals Host plant Delaware Skipper butterfly, Wavy-Lined Emerald & Curved-Toothed Geometer moths Edible part(s) Leaves are used to make herbal tea Notes Native bee and bumble bee friendly. Attracts beneficial insects. Rubbing leaves on skin reputedly repels mosquitoes. DISTRIBUTION MAPS USDA MAP BONAP MAP Present in state Present in county and native Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state Not present in state Present and rare, native in county Previously present, now extinct Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)