Narrowleaf Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)

 
Smooth, leafy perennial 12-36" tall and much branched above. Leaves are opposite, linear, 1-2" long and about 0.12" wide, entire, nearly sessile, generally not hoary (white-haired). This plant lacks the strong, minty fragrance. Flowers are white, 0.2-0.3" long, entire, 2-lipped corolla with numerous compact flower heads 0.2-0.4" wide, borne in showier clusters than most other mountain mints. Bloom time: June-July. Found in meadows, prairies, and pastures throughout Eastern U.S. and TN. Medicinally, the leaves of many mountain mints are used in poultices to treat headaches, and as a tea to treat fevers, colds and coughs. Many hikers and backpackers know that a quick way to make refreshing and calming tea is to place the leaves into hot water and let them steep for a few minutes prior to drinking.