Pycnanthemum incanum Open-pollinated. Perennial to Zone 3. Native to the Northeast. A culinary herb, excellent cutflower and pollinator fave! Aaron Parker of Edgewood Nursery says, “One of my favorite mountain mints! Has a great flavor—like most mountain mints the flavor is “mintier than mint”—and attracts tons of pollinators. What makes this species stand out to me is that they are less spready than others and the flowers are showier.” Sturdy stems with slivery-white aromatic foliage and large purple flowers in late summer in the Northeast. Upright clumping habit, much less likely to take over your garden than true (Mentha) mints. Plants grow 3–4' tall with 3' spread. Sun to partial shade on well-drained soils. Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil has warmed, pressing into the soil surface; needs light to germinate. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Ideal germ temp is 65–70°. Especially attractive to pollinators.①
About medicinal herbs: Archeological evidence dates the medicinal use of herbs back 60,000 years to the Neanderthals. 85% of the world’s population employ herbs as medicines, and 40% of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. contain plant-derived materials. Fewer than 10% of higher plant species have been investigated for their medicinal components. Interest in traditional herbal remedies continues to grow.
Statements about medicinal use of plants have not been evaluated by the FDA, and should not be used for the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any ailment. Before using or ingesting any medicinal plant, consult a healthcare practitioner familiar with botanical medicine.
Takinagawa Burdock and Resina Calendula, as well as oats, mammoth red clover and alfalfa in the Farm Seed section, also have medicinal uses. Medicinal herbs such as black cohosh, licorice, and many more are available as plants, and shipped in the spring with orders from our Trees division.
Culture: Some herbs are customarily grown from divisions because they cannot come true from seed, such as scented thymes and flavored mints. Some require fall sowing of fresh seed, such as sweet cicely and angelica.
Using herbs: Drying herbs at home is not difficult. Whole leaves retain their flavor at least a year. To substitute fresh herbs for dried in cooking, use triple the dried quantity called for in a recipe.
Germination Testing
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.
Our Seeds are Non-GMO
All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.
This item is sustainably grown