By: Renee Godfrey Quillin
Every year since 1990 the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) votes on the Perennial Plant of the Year (PPOY) by its members. I am happy to announce the PPOY for 2025 is Pycnanthemum muticum which is commonly known as Short Toothed Mountain Mint or simply put, Mountain Mint.
Mountain Mint is native to Eastern North America which ranges as north as Maine, south as Florida and as far west as Texas. This beautiful native can be found in meadows and open woodlands, it does best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade and stands about 2-3’. Mountain Mint has lower dark green leaves with distinctive toothed margins. Above the lower leaves are a dense cluster of a specialized structure known as the bract that forms a highlighted dense cluster of silvery leaves to showcase white to light pink flowers that bloom from July to September.
Not only is Mountain Mint native, it also is a prolific pollinator plant for your landscape. It has a strong spearmint aroma that attracts and provides nectar for important pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It can also be used as a medicinal tea that can help with multiple minor ailments. Mountain Mint versatility makes it a great option for both pollinator gardens as well as edible gardens.
