Hairy Mountain Mint

Hairy Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum pilosum)

Hairy Mountain Mint, or Pycnanthemum pilosum, is a unique species within the Mountain Mint family, known for its soft, fuzzy foliage and distinctive silvery-green appearance. Compared to other Mountain Mint species, this variety is more drought-tolerant, thriving in dry to medium-moisture soils. Its small, white to pale lavender flowers with purple spots are not only visually striking but also incredibly attractive to a wide range of beneficial insects, especially native bees and predatory wasps. While Mountain Mints are known for their ability to spread, Hairy Mountain Mint tends to spread more moderately than other species like Pycnanthemum muticum (Short-toothed Mountain Mint), making it easier to manage in garden settings without overwhelming other plants.

Key Characteristics

• Fuzzy, Silvery Appearance
  Hairy Mountain Mint stands out from other Mountain Mints due to its soft, fuzzy leaves and stems, which lend it a silvery sheen. This feature helps it tolerate heat and dry conditions better than species like Pycnanthemum virginianum (Virginia Mountain Mint), which prefer moist soils.

• Moderate Spreader
  Compared to the aggressive spreading habits of some Mountain Mint species, Hairy Mountain Mint spreads at a more controlled rate, making it easier to manage in garden beds. It still forms dense clumps, but it won’t take over like Pycnanthemum muticum, which spreads more rapidly via rhizomes.

• Attracts Beneficial Insects
  Hairy Mountain Mint is a magnet for a wide range of beneficial insects, including native bees, butterflies, and parasitic wasps. Its blooms last from mid-summer to early fall, providing a crucial nectar source for pollinators late in the season, extending the foraging period.

• Drought Tolerance and Resilience
  More drought-tolerant than many of its Mountain Mint relatives, this species thrives in dry to medium-dry soils. It’s an excellent choice for xeriscaping, dry meadows, and areas with poor water retention, where other moisture-loving mints might struggle.

• Medicinal Uses
  Traditionally, Hairy Mountain Mint has been used for its mild antibacterial properties and for treating digestive issues, colds, and respiratory problems. The leaves can be made into a soothing tea to help with gastrointestinal discomfort and mild respiratory relief.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern United States
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium; prefers well-drained soils
• Mature Height: 2-3 feet
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
• Bloom Color: White to pale lavender with purple spots
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Hairy Mountain Mint’s balance of controlled spreading, pollinator attraction, and drought tolerance makes it a practical and beautiful addition to any landscape. Its ease of management compared to other Mountain Mint species makes it ideal for naturalistic gardens, pollinator habitats, and permaculture systems.