Mountain Mint, Appalachian mountainmint
Pycnanthemum flexuosum

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Pycnanthemum flexuosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Upland prairies, pastures, meadows, open woodland and roadsides.

Eastern N. America - Maine to Florida, New York, Minnesota, Kansas and Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

One report says that the plant is used for food, but gives no details.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves and flowering stems are popularly used in the treatment of bowel complaints. A hot infusion of the plant is diaphoretic. The plant is also used internally in the treatment of stomach upsets, fevers, colds and sinus headaches. A poultice of the leaves is used in the treatment of headaches. A warm infusion of the plant has been used to bathe an inflamed penis. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils but prefers a rich loamy soil in full sun or partial shade with plenty of moisture in the growing season. Hardy to at least -15°c. The correct name for this species should be P. tenuifolium. Schrad.. The bruised leaves are very aromatic. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If there are sufficient seeds they can be sown in an outdoor seedbed in April. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Koellia flexuosa.