VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN MINT
Pycnanthemum virginianum
MINT FAMILY (Lamiaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - June, July, August
- Uncommon in prairies at NW
- Square stem with hairs on angles
- Two-lipped flowers with purple spots
- Wider leaves than Slender Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
A native perennial from 1 1/2 to 3 feet tall (B). The single square stem has hairs only along the angles (E). Aromatic leaves up to 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide give off a minty fragrance when crushed (F). Groups of several globular flower heads less than 1/2 inch in diameter, each composed of many small two-lipped flowers, combine to form larger white flower clusters (C). Individual flowers have a white upper lip and 3-lobed lower lip with a variable number of purple spots (D).
Uncommon in prairie restorations at Neale Woods. Flowering occurs from June through August.
The 2-lipped whitish flowers with purple spots are similar to Slender Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium). Both species also have aromatic leaves, but the broader leaves and hairs along the angles of the square stem of Virginia Mountain Mint separate it from Slender Mountain Mint.
The aromatic leaves have been used for making a tea and for seasoning food.
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