Broad-leaved Mountain Mint

Leaf type: The light-green leaves are broad and prolific up the stems. In large plantings, they can even appear to have a bluish-green tint.

Bloom description: Small blooms are bunched together on the top of the stems. The blooms are white, or can even take on a lavender color upon close investigation; however the blooms are so small that they are often overlooked. To make up for this, they have silvery-green bracts that surround the inconspicuous flowers to help attract pollinators.

Garden uses: While this perennial is attractive in a formal perennial border (as we use it in our garden), location in a home garden should be chosen wisely. This is a true mint, so beware of spreading roots that can invade distant areas in your garden. It can be used to naturalize in a meadow or even a wildlife garden, just take care and remove new growth in unwanted areas. It is best grown in full sun or part shade with moist, well-drained soil.

Wildlife benefits: This is a banker species for many butterflies, predatory wasps, skippers, and other day-flying moths.