Virginia Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

Physical Characteristics

Pycnanthemum virginianum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Virginia to New England, north to North Dakota.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Flower buds and leaves - raw or cooked. A mint-like flavour, they make a nice addition to salads or can be used as a condiment[61, 161, 183, 238]. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing mint-like tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Analgesic Carminative Diaphoretic Febrifuge A tea made from the leaves is alterative, diaphoretic and carminative[222, 257]. A poultice of the leaves is used in the treatment of headaches[222]. The tea is also used in the treatment of menstrual disorders, indigestion, colic, coughs, colds, chills and fevers[222, 238, 257].The flowering stems are cut as flowering begins and they can be used fresh or dried[238]. There is a suggestion that this plant can cause abortions, so it is best not used by pregnant women[257].

Known Hazards

None known