“Hoary mountain mint” may not be the mostenticingname for a plant, and its botanical name,Pycnanthemum incanum, isn’t particularly easy to say. So why consider it for your landscape? Because pollinators care more about nectar than they do names, and this is one of the best nectar plants you’ll come across.

Hoary mountain mint is an eastern US native plant with unparalleled appeal to native bees and butterflies. It is topped in late summer by white to lavender flowers on hoary white bracts. The mild fragrance of its foliage is unappealing to deer. It thrives in sun to part shade, and most soil types from moist to dry.

As its common name implies, it is a member of the mint family and spreads by rhizomes.Pycnanthemum incanum hoary mountain mint is idealfor naturalizing areas and would look at home in cottage and wildlife gardens. For a controlled habit, try planting it in a large container.