Mountain Mint

Mountain Mint

Scientific Name:
Pycnanthemum pilosum

Family:
Lamiaceae

Varieties:

• Mountain Mint (ID: 176)
• Pilosum (ID: 209)

Introduction

Pycnanthemum pilosum, commonly known as hairy mountain mint or American mountain mint, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically the eastern and central United States. This plant is recognized for its minty fragrance and is often used in potpourri and as a food source for honeybees. In Michigan, it is considered threatened and legally protected.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Pycnanthemum pilosum is a tall forb, reaching about 1 meter in height, with densely pubescent stems and lanceolate leaves that are more than three times as long as they are wide. The leaves are aromatic and have a minty scent. The plant produces white flowers in dense terminal clusters.
• Growing Conditions: It prefers drier soils but can thrive in various conditions, including prairies and savannas. It can grow in full sun to partial shade and tolerates different soil types.
• Lifecycle: Pycnanthemum pilosum spreads through both rhizomes and seeds. It blooms from July to September.

Why is this crop useful for space?

While there is no specific mention of Pycnanthemum pilosum being cultivated in space, its characteristics make it potentially useful for future space applications: - Pollinator Attractant: As a pollinator-friendly plant, it could contribute to maintaining biodiversity in controlled environments like space habitats. - Air Purification: Plants in general help purify air, which is crucial in closed environments like space stations. - Psychological Benefits: The aromatic properties of mountain mint could provide psychological benefits to astronauts by improving mood and reducing stress.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

There is no documented history of Pycnanthemum pilosum being cultivated in space. However, plants like lettuce and radishes have been grown in space to test the feasibility of plant growth in microgravity environments. These experiments could pave the way for future cultivation of other plant species, including Pycnanthemum pilosum, in space.