Pycnanthemum muticum

Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly known as bitter pycnanthemum, is a perennial herb native to North America. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this aromatic plant is prized for its fragrant foliage and nectar-rich flowers. It serves as a vital pollinator magnet, supporting diverse beneficial insects within many ecological landscapes.

  • Scientific name: Pycnanthemum muticum
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Pycnanthemum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Pycnanthemum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Pycnanthemum muticum, is referred to by several different common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is most frequently called powderytooth or mountain mint. When translated into other languages, its identity remains consistent through names such as menta polvorienta in Spanish, menthe poudreuse in French, and pudrige Zahn in German.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, known as bitter pycnanthemum, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of the United States. In the North-Central region, it can be found growing in the states of Illinois and Missouri. Its range also extends into the Northeast, where it is documented in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Additionally, the species is located in the North-Central area of Michigan. Together, these locations highlight the plant's presence across diverse parts of the country.

Region Area Source
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Connecticut WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Massachusetts WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Michigan WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. New Hampshire WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. New Jersey WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. New York WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Ohio WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Pennsylvania WCVP

Chemicals

Pycnanthemum muticum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,8-cineole, 1-octen-3-one, menthofuran, menthone, mintlactone.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
1,8-cineole 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1-octen-3-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
menthofuran 1 ★☆☆☆☆
menthone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mintlactone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nonanal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piperitenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pulegone 1 ★☆☆☆☆