Short-toothed mountain mint Pycnanthemum muticum
Short-toothed mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Eastern United States. It grows 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Short-toothed mountain mint in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Short-toothed mountain mint at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (tea, minty flavouring) |
| Native to | Eastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Short-toothed mountain mint toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; strongly minty.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Short-toothed mountain mint
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Short-toothed mountain mint
- How far apart should I plant Short-toothed mountain mint?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Short-toothed mountain mint need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Short-toothed mountain mint need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Short-toothed mountain mint?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Short-toothed mountain mint flower?
- From about July for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Short-toothed mountain mint poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; strongly minty.
- What grows well with Short-toothed mountain mint?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Short-toothed mountain mint. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Xerces Society pollinator conservation resources (regional plant lists and habitat guides), The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Notes and assumptions
- Clumps of strongly mint-scented leaves with silvery-white bracts that look frosted, under small white-pink flowers that draw an extraordinary variety of wasps, bees, beetles and butterflies all summer. Spreads, but much more politely than true mint.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare