Commonly called Spotted Beebalm, Spotted Horsemint, Horsemint.
Monarda punctata is a short-lived, herbaceous perennial that typically occurs in dryish soils on prairies, sandy areas and coastal plains. A clump-forming, mint family member that features branching or simple, square stems which rise typically to 1-2′ tall. Yellow, two-lipped fragrant flowers which are spotted with purple appear in the upper leaf axils and stem ends in two or more tiered, but interrupted, stem-ringing clusters. The toothed, aromatic, oblong leaves (to 3″) may be used in teas. Long summer bloom period.
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in sandy soils and consistent moisture. Tolerates somewhat poor soils and drought. Remove spent flowers to improve plant appearance and possibly to prolong bloom. Spreads by runners to form large clumps, but is not considered to be too aggressive.
Nectar Source: Butterflies, Bees, Insects
Height: 1.5′-2′ Spread: 1′ Bloom: June-July Light: Full Sun-Part Shade Water: Low-Medium Zone: 3-8 Origin: Texas and the U.S., Canada
