Narrow Leaf Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium | Starter Plug
IMPORTANT PICKUP INFORMATION
THIS ITEM IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON APRIL 25, 2026 FROM 10AM TO 12PM AT GREENVALE VINEYARDS, PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND.
There is no delivery option for your seedling pre-order. You must pick up your plant yourself on the seedling sale date. Any seedlings not picked up will be considered a donation to ERICD's educational farm program.
What You'll Receive:
One (1) Narrow Leaf Mountain Mint starter plug - a young, healthy plant with an established root system, ready to thrive in your driest, sunniest spot while attracting pollinators and repelling mosquitoes.
The aptly named Narrow Leaf Mountain Mint features unique needle-like foliage that releases an intense minty aroma when crushed. This tough-as-nails native thrives where few others can—in the driest, sunniest spots in your yard. Small white flowers with distinctive purple spots bloom in dense clusters, creating a delicate purple haze from mid-summer through fall. An exceptional pollinator plant that's also a natural mosquito repellent!
Outstanding Features:
Ultimate Drought Champion: Thrives in the driest, hottest conditions where most plants struggle. Perfect for challenging sunny spots with sandy or rocky soil.
Pollinator Magnet: Attracts native sweat bees, bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. Serves as larval host for the Wavy-lined Emerald moth.
Natural Mosquito Repellent: The aromatic leaves can be rubbed on skin as a traditional mosquito repellent—bonus functionality!
Unique Texture: The extremely narrow, almost needle-like leaves create fine texture that contrasts beautifully with broader-leaved plants.
Edible & Medicinal: Leaves and flowers can be dried for tea with a pleasant minty flavor. Historical use by Cherokee for treating headaches, colds, and upset stomach.
Plant Specifications:
Light: Full sun to partial shade (6-8 hours best)
Soil: Adaptable—sandy, rocky, clay, or average; excellent drainage preferred Moisture: Dry to medium; extremely drought tolerant once established Height: 2-3 feet tall (to 4 feet in rich soil), 2-3 feet spread
Bloom Time: June to September (summer through fall)
Hardiness: Zones 4-8 (excellent for New England)
Growing Tips:
Plant starter plugs 24-30 inches apart in spring or fall. This well-behaved mint spreads by short rhizomes and self-seeding but isn't aggressive. Begins blooming when plants reach about 1 foot wide. Naturalizes easily in meadows, prairies, rain gardens, and pollinator gardens. Can be contained with hardscape elements if desired. Leaves can be harvested and dried for tea throughout the growing season. Perfect for Rhode Island and Massachusetts gardens in zones 5-6, especially in sandy coastal soils or dry hillsides.