MOUNTAIN MINT SEEDS

Pycnanthemum muticum

An aromatic hardy perennial native to much of eastern North America. The showiest of all “mountain mints", and the one least likely to occur in mountains. Prefers damp open woodlands and grasslands. Bunches of tiny tubular flowers in late summer are surrounded by large silvery bracts. En masse, plants appear to be dusted with glittering snow. Wonderful for natural landscaping. Completely deerproof. Spreads politely by both seeds and stolons. Beloved by native bees and butterflies.

Our native mints are more subtle in fragrance and flavor than Mentha species. They are more restrained in their spread as well, and can be planted in gardens without fear of their inevitable domination. Shallow stoloniferous roots are easily pruned in spring if you wish to curtail their range. Infusion of the fresh crushed leaves produces a pleasant medicinal tea traditionally employed by Eastern tribes in the treatment of headache, fever and upset tummies. One of our most inexplicably undervalued native species.

Sow these seeds indoors several weeks before transplanting outdoors. Press seeds into moist soil, barely dusting with fine vermiculite. Mist carefully and cover with plastic. Kept warm (around 70°F) and moist in bright light, seeds begin to germinate in about a week. Germination is often erratic so expect stragglers. Once seedlings have true leaves, prick out to grow on in individual 3" pots or 2" cells at room temperature in bright light. Well-rooted plants can be hardened off and transplanted into the garden in spring or autumn.

This mountain mint prefers moist soils in full sun. Established plants will tolerate brief periods of drought, but they appear fairly miserable. Grows to just over 2' in most gardens, sometimes 3' or more in ideal habitats. Flowers in mid-to-late summer. Bracts persist over several weeks. Hardy to at least zone 4, and probably zone 3.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.