Pollinators love this plant! Strong mint fragrance. Blooms later than P. tenuifolium. A study in KC showed that Pycnanthemum is one of the plant genera in our area that attracts the largest number of different bee species.
Produces a delicious nut in late summer that is enjoyed by wildlife and humans alike. Thicket-forming shrub that will grow in several sun/moisture conditions. Can self-pollinate but will get better production with multiple trees.
Host to the Black Swallowtail Butterfly. Does well in dry, rocky conditions; tolerates dryer conditions than Z. aurea. Provides nectar to small bees and flies and pollen to bees, flies, and beetles.
Blooms are cute as a button. Use in a consistently moist rain garden (doesn’t like to dry out). Can be cut back in June to produce a shorter, fuller plant. Deadhead for longer blooms.
Host to the hummingbird clearwing Hemaris diffinis. Often confused with common milkweed when it's younger. Popular with many small pollinators. Can be aggressive from horizontal roots.
You often find the seeds of this genus sticking to you after a hike – these seeds are eaten by lots of wildlife. Flowers of this plant aren’t especially showy, but the plant is great for insects, birds, and mammals.