Virginia mountain mint
Pycnanthemum virginianum

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

An upright herb. It is more branched than Pycnanthemum muticum. It grows 90-100 cm high and spreads 100 cm wide. The branches are short and leafy. The leaves are sword shaped and taper to the tip. They are 6 cm long. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are in flat topped heads. The flowers are white or lilac. The plant gives off a mint like smell when crushed.

Where it is found

It is a cool temperate plant. It grows in dry fields. It suits hardiness zones 3-7.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Canada, India, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves can be used fresh or dried in tea. The flowers are used for flavouring. They are used for seasoning meat and soups.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, flowers - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Prairie hyssop, Wild hyssop

Synonyms

Brachystemum lanceolatum Willd.; Brachystemum virginicum (L.) Michx.; Koellia virginiana (L.) Kuntze; Koellia virginiana (L.) Britton; Koellia virginica (L.) Baill.; Pycnanthemum lanceolatum Pursh; Pycnanthemum virginianum (L.) Durand & Jackson; Thymus verticillatus Poir. Thymus virginicus (L.) Willd.; Thymus virginicus L.;