Etymology: Pycnanthemum: from Greek pychnos, "dense," and anthemon, "flower," so "densely flowered"
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall forb, very sweetly aromatic; leafy, square stems with short hairs mainly at the angles
Leaves: opposite, small, linear to lance-shaped
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/4" long; inflorescence a 3" wide, branched, terminal, umbel-like cluster of many, very dense, small, rounded heads; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: 1-seeded nutlet
Habitat: dry, moderate moisture, to wet; prairies, woods, meadows
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"