Mountain mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum is native to moist prairies, meadows, riverbanks, and wetter habitats of the USA and Canada. It blooms creamy white, and the leaves are finely hairy. It is used for cutting as greenery with good durability in a vase.

Pycnanthemum pilosum grows naturally in prairies, meadows, and along riverbanks. Its branched stems and flower heads resemble Monarda. The entire plant appears grey-green due to its dense hairiness. The leaves are fragrant when crushed. In garden beds, its greyish hue naturally ties together the colors of other perennials.

Pycnanthemum muticum impresses with its silvery-white colored bracts growing beneath the less conspicuous inflorescence. It grows to a height of 70–110 cm. On sunny days, the leaves in particular are strongly aromatic. The flowers attract pollinators. A great green addition to bouquets.

Pycnanthemum flexuosum, or also tenuifolium, naturally occurs in short-grass, drier prairies. As the only representative of this genus, it grows, true to its name, in the mountains as well. It is the shortest and also the least aromatic of all species of the genus Pycnanthemum. Overall, it looks very light and airy. This is because the plant has tiny needle-like leaves. The flowers are also smaller, creamy white. It grows in compact clumps that slowly expand via short underground runners. It is suitable for naturalistic plantings and as delicate greenery for bouquets.

This species of American mountain mint is striking for its foliage alone. The leaves are fine, almost needle-like. It has white flowers with tiny purple spots.