An attractive mint that grows here on my mountain, Silverleaf Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum incanum). The flowers attract lots of beneficial pollinators like this Spicebush Swallowtail, and other butterflies, bees, wasps, and moths.
The blooms, first appearing midsummer will last until late summer. The square stems, leaves and even the flowers have a silvery look. All those plant parts have a minty scent which deer find unattractive. That sure makes it attractive to me. The plant spreads by creeping rhizomes and can be helpful for erosion control.
Silverleaf Mountain Mint loves full sun but does well in part shade as well and wants well drained soil. It’s native to eastern North America.
