Slender Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium) — Care, Growing Conditions & Wildlife Value

Growing Conditions

Light Sun – Part Shade

Water Dry – Medium

Soil Any

Size 2-3'

Bloom White, Jul–Sep

Why Grow It

Pollinator Magnet Attracts many types of pollinators

Deer Resistant Great for gardens without fencing

Drought Tolerant Thrives with little water once established

Did You Know?

Mountain Mint is considered one of the top pollinator plants in eastern North America — a single plant can attract dozens of bee, wasp, and butterfly species simultaneously.

The strong mint fragrance makes it highly deer resistant; deer and rabbits avoid browsing it entirely.

Its narrow, almost needle-like leaves are unique among the mountain mints and give the plant a fine, airy texture unusual in the mint family.

Wildlife Value

🐝

Native Bees One of the top-rated plants for pollinator diversity

🦋

Monarch Butterfly Important midsummer nectar source during breeding season

🪲

Beneficial Wasps Parasitoid wasps visit flowers aiding garden pest control

Good Companions

💛 Black-eyed Susan 🌾 Little Bluestem 🌸 Wild Bergamot 💜 New England Aster

Planting Guide

Plant plugs in full sun in average to dry garden soil.
Space 18 inches apart; spreads moderately by rhizomes over time.
Minty foliage is deer resistant; no pest or disease problems.

Heads Up

Spreads by Root Spreads quickly; may need containment

Slender Mountain Mint