Virginia Mountain-Mint
Pycnanthemum virginianum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Virginia Mountain-Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is a native perennial herb that blooms white flowers from July through September across eastern and central North America. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, wasps
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Mountain Mint is a fragrant native perennial that forms neat clumps of aromatic foliage topped with clusters of small white flowers. The silvery-white bracts surrounding the flower heads create an attractive display from summer into fall. This hardy plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and tolerates drought once established.
Growing Virginia Mountain-Mint
Grow Virginia Mountain-Mint in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Virginia Mountain-Mint 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 beyond intended area if not managed
Wildlife value
This plant is exceptionally valuable for pollinators, attracting numerous species of native bees, beneficial wasps, and butterflies throughout its long bloom period. The dense flower clusters provide abundant nectar and the seeds feed birds in winter.
Common questions
- When does Virginia Mountain-Mint bloom?
- Virginia Mountain-Mint produces small white flowers in dense clusters from July through September, providing late-season nectar when many other native plants have finished blooming.
- What pollinators visit Virginia Mountain-Mint?
- This native mint attracts a diverse array of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. The small tubular flowers are particularly well-suited for smaller native bee species.
- Where is Virginia Mountain-Mint native?
- Virginia Mountain-Mint is native across much of eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Georgia and Alabama, and west to North Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
- What growing conditions does Virginia Mountain-Mint prefer?
- This adaptable perennial thrives in full sun to partial sun and tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils, making it excellent for naturalized plantings and pollinator gardens.
- Is Virginia Mountain-Mint HOA-friendly?
- Virginia Mountain-Mint is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Virginia Mountain-Mint? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz