Named the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association for its beauty, resilience, and wildlife support, short-toothed mountainmint is one of eight Pycanthemum species native to Pennsylvania, adding to the diverse wildflower population. Growing to a height of 2 to 3 feet, the clusters of tiny, two-lipped, white to light pink flowers grow at the terminal ends of square stems just above silvery bracts, giving the plants a snowy appearance. Dark green ovate leaves, with a mint-like aroma when crushed, are 1-3 inches long with round bases and toothed margins.

Naturally occurring in most of the Eastern half of the United States, short-toothed mountainmint is typically found growing in meadows, low woodland areas or dry upland woods in full sun to partial shade with consistent hydration. The flowers attract many diverse pollinators including bees, butterflies, wasps, syrphid and tachinid flies. Deer, rabbits, or voles are not attracted to the plant because of the strong mint fragrance. Leaves and flowers are often used for tea and have also been used by herbalists as an insect repellant.