By Ann Lapides
Don’t be fooled by this beauty’s low-key presence. Blunt Mountain Mint, Pycanthemum muticum, packs a wallop of top features. In summer, a flat flower cluster of pale lavender-pink is set off by silvery bracts. The bracts create a soothing yet fascinating display. A strong mint-like scent fills the air when the leaves are crushed. One of the best plants to attract butterflies, bees, birds, and other pollinators.
In a field test, it attracted more pollinators than all the other plants. It is the host plant for the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly. For a natural mosquito repellent, rub the leaves on your skin. A Missouri and Illinois native perennial. Blunt Mountain Mint has won numerous awards for its many attributes, most importantly, its support of pollinators and wildlife. Blunt Mountain Mint matures to a 1-3′ clump of attractive foliage. It makes a good companion plant for other summer-blooming perennials. It is a top choice for butterfly, pollinator, and cottage gardens and natural areas such as wildflower gardens, and meadows. Its tough roots make it good for erosion control and slopes. Its leaves can be used to make tea. Deer and rabbit resistant. Perennial.
Not to be confused with the aggressive mints that sometimes take over the neighborhood, Blunt Mountain Mint only shares the common name “mint.” Designated a Missouri Botanical Garden Plant of Merit for its many outstanding qualities. Plant in well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. Blunt Mountain Mint prefers rich, moist soil.
See this and more plants at http://www.sugarcreekgardens.com or visit Sugar Creek Gardens at 1011 N Woodlawn, Kirkwood, Missouri.