Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum): Narrow-Leaved Native for Pollinators and Prairie Gardens

Overview

Virginia mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum), also called wild basil or prairie hyssop, is a rhizomatous perennial native to prairies, meadows, and open woods of central and eastern North America. It grows 2-3 feet tall with narrow, mint-scented leaves and dense, rounded clusters of small white flowers with purple spots in mid- to late summer.

Botanical Details

• Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
• Genus: Pycnanthemum
• Species: virginianum

Culture & Uses

Full sun to part shade, moist to average soil. Spreads moderately by rhizomes. Leaves used for tea, seasoning. Excellent for pollinator gardens, prairie restorations, rain gardens. Attracts diverse bees, butterflies, wasps. Deer resistant. Hardy in USDA zones 3-7.