Family: Lamiaceae
Author: (Michx.) Pers.
Bibliography: Syn. Pl. 2: 128 (1806)
Year: 1806
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pycnanthemum
Vegetable: False
Observations: EC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Clustered mountain-mint, scientifically known as Pycnanthemum muticum, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant was first documented in “Syn. Pl. 2: 128 (1806)” by the botanist (Michx.) Pers., which denotes its rich botanical heritage.
The clustered mountain-mint is native to the eastern and central regions of the United States. It typically thrives in meadows, woodlands, and along the edges of forests, where it benefits from partial to full sunlight. This hardy perennial is known for its dense clusters of small, white to lavender flowers, which are particularly attractive to a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The clusters create a striking visual display, often forming a frosty silver appearance due to the numerous flower bracts surrounding each cluster.
Characterized by its aromatic properties, Pycnanthemum muticum emits a minty fragrance when its leaves are crushed, a signature trait of plants in the mint family. These aromatic oils not only make it a favorite in herb gardens but also serve as a natural deterrent to some pests.
Aside from its ornamental and olfactory appeal, the clustered mountain-mint also plays a valuable role in traditional herbal medicine. Various parts of the plant have been used for their purported therapeutic properties, providing remedies for ailments ranging from digestive issues to respiratory conditions.
Adaptable and easy to grow, Pycnanthemum muticum is an excellent addition to native plant gardens and naturalized landscapes. Its ability to attract pollinators and deter pests, along with its low maintenance requirements, make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to cultivate a vibrant and ecological garden space.
Overall, the clustered mountain-mint is a versatile and beneficial plant, contributing both to the ecological health of its native regions and to the beauty and biodiversity of cultivated gardens.
Common Names
Eng: blunt mountain-mint, clustered mountain-mint, clustered mountainmint
En: Clustered mountain-mint, Blunt mountain-mint, Clustered mountainmint
Synonyms
- Brachystemum muticum (Michx.)
- Pycnanthemum ovatum (Nutt. ex Benth.)
- Pycnanthemum arkansanum (Fresen.)
- Pycnanthemum pilosum var. leptodon (Benth.)
- Koellia mutica ((Michx.) Britton ex Small & Vail)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 31, 2021 by vT Manda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Chris Pistorius (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2022 by gina Bo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Anabela Powell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Marsha Donaldson (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2021 by vT Manda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2019 by john john (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Grace Vedock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Cara P (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 29, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2021 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2003 by EOL − John J. Mosesso /life.nbii.gov (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken May 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927374)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:214748-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pycnanthemum muticum (Michx.) Pers.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
