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Appalachian Mountainmint

Pycnanthemum flexuosum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Appalachian mountainmint is a summer blooming forb that flowers from July through September, favoring sunny sites with medium to drier soils along woodland edges and clearings.

Appalachian Mountainmint (Pycnanthemum flexuosum)
Photo: (c) Ashwin Srinivasan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ashwin Srinivasan

Toxicity unknown

Appalachian Mountainmint (Pycnanthemum flexuosum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, MS and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, wasps

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Appalachian mountainmint is a native perennial herb that forms compact clumps with aromatic, mint-scented foliage. It produces clusters of small white flowers from July through September, creating a soft, textured appearance in the garden. The plant maintains a relatively tidy, upright form throughout the growing season.

Growing Appalachian Mountainmint

Grow Appalachian Mountainmint in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Appalachian Mountainmint is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • May spread gradually by underground stems
  • Dormant winter appearance is less attractive

Wildlife value

This plant is exceptionally valuable for pollinators, attracting numerous species of native bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. The long blooming period provides consistent nectar sources during late summer when many other flowers have finished.

Common questions

When does Appalachian mountainmint bloom?
Appalachian mountainmint typically flowers from July through September, producing small clustered white blooms that attract a variety of pollinators.
What pollinators visit Appalachian mountainmint?
Bees, butterflies, and wasps are frequent visitors to the small nectar rich flowers of Appalachian mountainmint during its summer bloom period.
What growing conditions does Appalachian mountainmint prefer?
This forb grows best in full sun with medium moisture soils, though it tolerates some light shade and drier conditions once established.
Is Appalachian mountainmint easy to grow in a garden setting?
It adapts well to average garden soil with good drainage and consistent sun, making it a low maintenance choice for pollinator plantings.
Is Appalachian Mountainmint HOA-friendly?
Appalachian Mountainmint is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Appalachian Mountainmint? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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