Pycnanthemum flexuosum - Mountain Mint

Family:	Labiatae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Width:	0.5
Synonyms:	Koellia flexuosa.
Range:	Eastern N. America - Maine to Florida, New York, Minnesota, Kansas and Texas.

Pycnanthemum flexuosum (Mountain Mint) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m and a width of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
Mountain Mint will flower in February to March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Mountain Mint will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Mountain Mint prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Mountain Mint can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Upland prairies, pastures, meadows, open woodland and roadsides[228].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils[1] but prefers a rich loamy soil in full sun or partial shade with plenty of moisture in the growing season[200]. Hardy to at least -15°c[200]. The correct name for this species should be P. tenuifolium. Schrad.[228]. The bruised leaves are very aromatic[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
One report says that the plant is used for food, but gives no details[257].

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The leaves and flowering stems are popularly used in the treatment of bowel complaints[207]. A hot infusion of the plant is diaphoretic[207]. The plant is also used internally in the treatment of stomach upsets, fevers, colds and sinus headaches[238, 257]. A poultice of the leaves is used in the treatment of headaches[257]. A warm infusion of the plant has been used to bathe an inflamed penis[257]. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried.

• Analgesic - Relieves pain.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.
• Stomachic - Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If there are sufficient seeds they can be sown in an outdoor seedbed in April. Division in spring.

Scented parts of the plants

Leaves : Crushed

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

Flora of the Great Plains.
McGregor. R. L. & Barkley. T. M.
Author: McGregor. R. L. & Barkley. T. M.
Rating:
Publisher : A useful source of habitats.
Date of Publication : 1986

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