What Is a Mountain Mint? Exploring Diversity and Species Boundaries in a Native Genus
Tanner Hamerling, University of Georgia
Monday, April 27 @ 6pm EST (Virtual)
Mountain mints (Pycnanthemum) are a group of native plants known for supporting pollinators, but it is not always clear where one species ends and another begins. This talk explores how these plants vary across different landscapes and what that variation can tell us about how they are related.
Tanner will share observations from field collections and garden studies, along with ongoing work to better understand how different types of mountain mints may mix or remain distinct. This includes work with historical herbarium material, including a specimen collected by John Torrey, which provides a unique link between early botanical exploration and modern genetic research.
Some plants that look like hybrids may actually represent more stable and consistent forms, raising interesting questions about how we define species. These findings have important implications for conservation, restoration, and the use of native plants in landscapes. Overall, this work highlights how studying plants in both wild and cultivated settings can help us better understand and use native plant diversity.
Tanner Hamerling is a graduate student, specializing in ornamental plant breeding at the University of Georgia in the Ruter Lab. His research focuses on mountain mints (Pycnanthemum), where he studies plant diversity, hybridization, and their potential for use in landscapes and conservation. He is passionate about connecting field botany, plant breeding, and public engagement to better understand and promote native plants.
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