Pycnanthemum virginianum – Common Mountain Mint

One of four species of mountain mint native to Ulster County (there are three other species in nearby counties). Although the clusters of white flowers spotted with purple won’t knock your socks off, there are few better nectar plants for butterflies and beneficial insects than the Mountain Mints (predatory wasps find them particularly attractive). The foliage has a strong, clean fragrance somewhere between peppermint and oregano – you can just enjoy its fragrance or you can use it in a salad or to make a refreshing mint tea.