Monarda punctata


Monarda punctata is a herbaceous plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, that is native to eastern Canada, the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico. Common names include spotted beebalm and horsemint.

Varieties

  • Monarda punctata var. arkansana Shinners
  • Monarda punctata var. correllii B.L.Turner
  • Monarda punctata var. coryi Shinners
  • Monarda punctata var. immaculata Scora
  • Monarda punctata var. intermedia Waterf
  • Monarda punctata var. lasiodonta A.Gray
  • Monarda punctata var. occidentalis E.J.Palmer & Steyerm
  • Monarda punctata var. punctata
  • Monarda punctata var. villicaulis E.J.Palmer & Steyerm

Description

It is a thyme-scented plant with heads of purple-spotted tubular yellow flowers above rosettes of large white- or pink-tipped bracts. The plant contains thymol, an antiseptic and fungicide.
Unlike most Monarda species that have a single flower head on a stem, Monarda punctata has flowers that are stacked up the stem with bracts radiating from the stem, under each flower. Varying in color from light pink to white, the bracts are ornamental longer than the flowers, whereas the flowers are visible only at close range.

Native Range

Native distribution includes Ontario and Quebec and much of the Eastern United States including: Vermont to Minnesota, south to Texas, New Mexico and north to Kansas, through the east coast with isolated populations in California. The species is considered locally endangered in the state of Ohio.

Ecological value

Monarda punctata attracts pollinators in great numbers, especially wasps. Among the wasps that it brings to the garden are beneficial predatory wasps that control grubs, pest caterpillars, and other harmful insects. It is the sole source of pollen for the specialist bee species Protandrena abdominalis.

Uses

It was historically used to treat upset stomachs, colds, diarrhea, neuralgia and kidney disease.