Pycnanthemum albescens

Pycnanthemum albescens has leaves that are 1 1/2" long by 1/2 " wide (nearest the middle). The terminal one-half to two-thirds of each margin has six to eight widely spaced shallow teeth. The upper leaf surfaces of lower leaves are dull olive green and the lower surfaces are greenish gray. The upper leaves and inflorescence bracts are conspicuously whitened with a dense but thin coating of grayish-white hair.

Best propagated by cuttings and division in the spring. Seeds need no treatment but are slow to germinate. Steffen (1979) recommends cold/dry stratification which may speed germination. Dried heads can be clipped into paper bags and shaken to remove seed.

Where the common name "mountain mint" comes from is not clear as this species ranges throughout the central intermountain area of the United States. The leaves of mountain mint were used by prairie Acadians to make tea. One can assume that early settlers all over the plains made the same use of it. It is found in low open woods, along streams, and in savanna and prairie areas throughout Louisiana, except the southeastern part of the state, and east Texas.

Low open woods, along streams, savannas, thickets, and dry rocky hillsides.