Lamiaceae
spotted beebalm
Monarda punctata
Other Common Names
dotted beebalm, horsemint, spotted horsemint
Plant Type
Herbaceous Wildflower
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
1-3 ft. tall
2-4 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Deer
Inolerant of
Poorly Drained Soil
Propagation
By seed, By division
Plant Propagation Notes
Requires dry or moist cold stratification for germination.
Plant Planting Notes
Provide up to 4 ft spacing.
Plants/Diseases
Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Nectar source for hummingbirds
Leaves
The opposite, lanceolate leaves are simple with dentate (sometimes entire) margins; 1-3 inches long.
Flowers
Flowers are tubular and yellow with brown spots. The lavender portions of the “flower” are bracts (modified leaves)
Fruit
Ovoid nutlets
Bark
Square and pubescent stems
Toxicity
no known toxicity
Edibility
Leaves are edible
USDA Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Exposure
Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
Dry, Medium
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
Maritime forests, under powerlines, dunes, roadsides, rocky or sandy woodlands
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Common in the coastal plain and sandhills, uncommon in the piedmont and mountains.
Subspecies
Monarda punctata var. correllii
Monarda punctata var. intermedia
Monarda punctata var. lasiodonta
Monarda puntata var. punctata (South Carolina)