Narrow-leaf mountain-mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, Hort. Gott.: 10 (1809))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Schrad.

Bibliography: Hort. Gott.: 10 (1809)

Year: 1809

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pycnanthemum

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Narrow-leaf mountain-mint, scientifically known as Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, is a distinctive and aromatic perennial herb. It belongs to the family Lamiaceae, renowned for encompassing a diverse range of fragrant and culinary species. This particular mountain-mint was first described in 1809, with its detailed botanical characterization appearing in the Hortus Gottingensis authored by Schrad.

Native to Eastern Canada and the Central and Eastern United States, narrow-leaf mountain-mint thrives in a variety of habitats, ranging from dry, rocky soils to moist meadows and woodland edges. This adaptability makes it a resilient plant that can enhance the ecological diversity of numerous natural landscapes.

The narrow-leaf mountain-mint possesses slender, linear leaves which give it a delicate appearance, contrasting with the robust nature of many other mint family members. The foliage emits a strong, refreshing scent when crushed, a testament to its membership in Lamiaceae, a family well-known for its aromatic herbs.

During its blooming season, which generally spans midsummer to early fall, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium showcases a profusion of small, white to pale lavender flowers. These blossoms cluster together at the tops of the stems, attracting various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, making it an excellent plant for encouraging biodiversity in gardens and wild areas.

This species not only contributes aesthetically to the environment with its delicate, airy form and seasonal flower display but also plays a crucial role in natural pest control and pollinator support. By incorporating narrow-leaf mountain-mint into garden spaces, one can promote ecological balance and enhance the aromatic quality of the planted area.

In summary, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium is a versatile, aromatic herb with significant ecological benefits. Its historical documentation by Schrad. in 1809 underscores its long-standing recognition in botanical studies, and its native range from Eastern Canada to the Central and Eastern United States highlights its adaptability and resilience in varied environments.

Common Names

Eng: narrow-leaf mountain-mint, narrowleaf mountainmint, slender mountain-mint, narrowleaf mountain-mint, slenderleaf mountain-mint
Swe: smalbladig präriemynta
Fra: pycnanthème à feuilles étroites
En: Narrow-leaf mountain-mint, Common horsemint, NARROWLEAF MOUNTIANMINT, Narrowleaf mountainmint, Slender mountain-mint, Narrowleaf mountain-mint, Slenderleaf mountain-mint
Fr: Pycnanthème à feuilles étroites
Sv: Smalbladig präriemynta

Synonyms

• Pycnanthemum tenuifolium var. lawrencei (F.Seym.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 30, 2014 by EOL − Fluff Berger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2015 by EOL − Lynn Michael (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 17, 2020 by jason jaec (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Cara P (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Lauren senier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Chaitali Saqcena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 29, 2014 by EOL − Fluff Berger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Michelle Bak (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Aug 21, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Sep 17, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927347)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:455236-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Schrad.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth