Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides

Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides, commonly known as bitter pycnanthemum, is a perennial herb native to North America. Renowned for its aromatic, mint-family foliage, this plant offers significant ethnobotanical value. Historically utilized for its digestive and antimicrobial properties, it serves as a fascinating subject for studying natural compounds in traditional medicine.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is situated within 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, Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is most commonly referred to as bitter pycnanthemum or mountain bushy mint. In German, it is known as Berg-Pycnanthemum, and in French, it is called pycnanthème amer.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions of the United States. In the North-Central region, it can be found growing in Illinois. Its presence extends into the Northeastern United States, specifically within the state of Indiana and across West Virginia. Moving toward the Southeastern United States, the species is also located in Alabama. Finally, its range continues through the landscapes of Georgia.

Region Area Source
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Indiana WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. West Virginia WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Alabama WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Georgia WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Kentucky WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. North Carolina WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. South Carolina WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Tennessee WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Virginia WCVP

Chemicals

Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (R)-(+)-pulegone, 1,8-cineole, linalool, myrcene, piperitenone.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(R)-(+)-pulegone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1,8-cineole 1 ★☆☆☆☆
linalool 1 ★☆☆☆☆
myrcene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piperitenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piperitone 1 ★☆☆☆☆