garden
Mountain mint
Overview
A native perennial herb with silvery-frosted leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers that attract an astonishing diversity of pollinators. Mountain mint is arguably the single best native plant for supporting beneficial insect populations, with studies showing it attracts more pollinator species than almost any other native. It has a pleasant mint-oregano flavor and makes excellent tea.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeAverage, well-drained soil; adaptable and drought-tolerant
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant in spring; native bee magnet; silvery bracts; perennial to zone 4 |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jul — Sep | White flowers with silvery bracts; incredibly attractive to native bees and wasps |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; spreads moderately by rhizomes — easy to pull unwanted stems |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Summer bloom; aromatic mint-scented foliage; makes excellent tea |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; hosts more pollinator species than almost any other native perennial |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Blooms midsummer through fall; top native pollinator plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; tolerates a wide range of soil and moisture |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | May — Aug | Extended bloom; deer and rabbit resistant |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; part shade in hottest zones |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | May — Jul | Summer bloom; drought tolerant |
Uses
Culinary
- Leaves and flowers brewed as a refreshing herbal tea
- Minty-oregano flavor for seasoning
Medicinal
- Traditional Native American remedy for fevers and headaches
- Cooling tea for digestive comfort
Other Uses
- Top-tier native pollinator plant — attracts extraordinary insect diversity
- Deer-resistant native perennial
- Rain garden and meadow restoration
