Hoary mountainmint (Pycnanthemum incanum, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 7 (1803))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: (L.) Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 7 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pycnanthemum

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. U.S.A. to Illinois

Description

Hoary mountainmint, scientifically known as Pycnanthemum incanum, is a fascinating perennial herb that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. This resilient plant is native to the eastern United States and can be observed as far west as Illinois. First documented in the early 19th century, its extensive study can be traced back to the work “Fl. Bor.-Amer.” published in 1803 by renowned botanist André Michaux.

Characterized by its dense clusters of white to lavender tubular flowers, hoary mountainmint is particularly noted for its aromatic foliage. The leaves and stems of this hardy plant are covered with fine, white hairs, giving it a distinctive hoary appearance which is the origin of its common name. The foliage emits a minty fragrance when crushed, a feature that endears it to gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.

Hoary mountainmint thrives in a variety of habitats, often found in open woodlands, meadows, and along roadsides. It is highly effective in attracting a plethora of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent plant for improving biodiversity in gardens and natural landscapes. Its robust nature allows it to withstand various environmental stresses, making it a low-maintenance addition to any ecosystem.

Despite its tough exterior, Pycnanthemum incanum plays a delicate role in traditional herbal medicine. It has historically been used for its potential therapeutic properties, including its use in treating digestive issues, colds, and fevers. However, like all medicinal plants, it should be used with caution and professional guidance.

In summary, hoary mountainmint (Pycnanthemum incanum) is a versatile and valuable plant, bringing beauty, aroma, and ecological benefits to its surroundings. Its ability to thrive across a wide range of environments and attract beneficial wildlife underscores its importance in both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: hoary mountain-mint, hoary mountainmint
Fra: pycnanthème gris
En: Hoary mountainmint, Silverleaf mountain mint, Hoary mountain-mint
Fr: Pycnanthème gris
Fa: پیکنانتمم اینکانوم

Synonyms

• Koellia incana ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by I Birn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Anne Chance (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by I Birn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Dan McLean (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Gunmucker (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Bev Short (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Walter Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Walter Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2022 by Holly Denton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Eric Patterson (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 9, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Ani Strand (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Brad Kelley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Bruce Winter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2015 by EOL − Nancy A. (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 4, 2014 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Gunmucker (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Bruce Winter (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927354)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:455219-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pycnanthemum incanum (L.) Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth