Pot Size: 1 quart
Native Status: Native
Description: Mountain mints are a genus of 19 species of herbaceous perennials in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that are native to North America and all areas of North Carolina. They grow 1 to 3 feet tall in moist to dry, well-drained soils and in full sun to partial shade, with the best flowering occurring in sun. They can spread aggressively by rhizomes but are easily controlled if spreading is not desired. The leaves have a strong minty fragrance when crushed and can be used in cooking and making teas. The densely packed clusters of flowers come in white to shades of purple and attract many pollinators in July to September. Most have pleasing foliage when not in bloom. Use these mints in naturalized areas as well as native, pollinator, butterfly or edible gardens.
Light Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade Drought Tolerant: Yes
Soil Moisture: Medium Salt Tolerant: No
Mature Height: 1 ā 3.0 ft Deer Resistant: Yes
Mature Width: 1 ā 3.0 ft
Bloom Color/Bloom Time: Clustered white to lavender-pink flowers, often with tiny purple spots, surrounded by striking silvery-white, leaf-like bracts. They bloom for an extended period from July through September.
Historical Uses: Mountain Mint was used as a remedy for colds, respiratory issues, digestive problems (stomach aches, nausea), pneumonia, and arthritis. A decoction or tea was frequently used to reduce fever. The strongly scented, menthol-smelling leaves were crushed and rubbed onto skin or clothing to repel mosquitoes and other pests. It was also brewed into a "palatable" tea and used as a flavoring herb in cooking.
Wildlife Values: This plant is one of the 20 key pollinator plants that should be blooming in August for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census 2025. This plant is one of the best nectar sources for native butterflies, so butterfly gardeners can't do without this one. Our bees in the Botanical Garden go crazy for it, too! In the late summer the plants are visited by numerous native bees.
š For more information visit NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Medicinal plants can have serious side effects and interactions with medications. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, as you are responsible for your own health decisions.
Photo Credits:
1 - P. muticum flowers and leaves Peganum CC-BY-SA 2.0
2 - Flower Close-up (Wake County, NC)-Mid Summer Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
3 - Full Form (Wake County, NC)-Fall Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
Pot Size: 1 quart
Native Status: Native
Description: Mountain mints are a genus of 19 species of herbaceous perennials in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that are native to North America and all areas of North Carolina. They grow 1 to 3 feet tall in moist to dry, well-drained soils and in full sun to partial shade, with the best flowering occurring in sun. They can spread aggressively by rhizomes but are easily controlled if spreading is not desired. The leaves have a strong minty fragrance when crushed and can be used in cooking and making teas. The densely packed clusters of flowers come in white to shades of purple and attract many pollinators in July to September. Most have pleasing foliage when not in bloom. Use these mints in naturalized areas as well as native, pollinator, butterfly or edible gardens.
Light Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade Drought Tolerant: Yes
Soil Moisture: Medium Salt Tolerant: No
Mature Height: 1 ā 3.0 ft Deer Resistant: Yes
Mature Width: 1 ā 3.0 ft
Bloom Color/Bloom Time: Clustered white to lavender-pink flowers, often with tiny purple spots, surrounded by striking silvery-white, leaf-like bracts. They bloom for an extended period from July through September.
Historical Uses: Mountain Mint was used as a remedy for colds, respiratory issues, digestive problems (stomach aches, nausea), pneumonia, and arthritis. A decoction or tea was frequently used to reduce fever. The strongly scented, menthol-smelling leaves were crushed and rubbed onto skin or clothing to repel mosquitoes and other pests. It was also brewed into a "palatable" tea and used as a flavoring herb in cooking.
Wildlife Values: This plant is one of the 20 key pollinator plants that should be blooming in August for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census 2025. This plant is one of the best nectar sources for native butterflies, so butterfly gardeners can't do without this one. Our bees in the Botanical Garden go crazy for it, too! In the late summer the plants are visited by numerous native bees.
š For more information visit NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Medicinal plants can have serious side effects and interactions with medications. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, as you are responsible for your own health decisions.
Photo Credits:
1 - P. muticum flowers and leaves Peganum CC-BY-SA 2.0
2 - Flower Close-up (Wake County, NC)-Mid Summer Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
3 - Full Form (Wake County, NC)-Fall Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
