1. * California Mountain (Sierra) Mint – Pycnanthemum californicum
(pick-NAN-the-mum kal-ih-FOR-ni-kum)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Mountain ranges & foothills of California. Locally in the San Gabriels; moist sites in
chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forests, 1,500-5,500' elevation.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: spreading
Spreading, herbaceous groundcover; dies back if water-stressed and in fall. Leaves shiny green or
fuzzy-pale (sunnier locations), lance-shaped, opposite (typical for mints). Strong minty scent when
crushed. New stems emerge in early spring. Spreading, but not particularly invasive.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring or summer. Flowers are small, white with purple spots, in dense
clusters in the leaf axils. Flowers very typical for Mint family, attract butterflies, hummingbirds.
Uses in the garden: Best used in moist areas of the garden – lawn edges, etc. Makes a surprisingly
hardy ground cover. Good choice under fountains & birdbaths. Would also work will in large
containers. Fragrant foliage useful as a seasoning, for teas, or as a cold remedy (traditional use).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native mints.
Attracts: Excellent butterfly nectar plant. Birds eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part sun best. Morning sun or dappled sun.
Soil Most local soil types and pH’s.
Water Best in moist soils – Water Zone 2-3 to 3.
Fertilizer Not needed if organic mulch used.
Other Organic leaf mulch best.
Management: Plant will spread, so contain if this is an issue. Easy to pull out unwanted stems.
Cut back to nearly the ground when it becomes raggedy.
Propagation: from seed: easy, fresh seed; smoke Tx may help by divisions: fairly easy, spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 62 8/22/17
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