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Beebalm or Horsemint
(Monarda spp.) Annual or perennial herbs of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). The Genus Monarda is comprised of approximately 20 species in North America (Digges et al. 1999), with 11 of these species represented in Texas. The Genus is named after Dr. Nicholas Monardes, a Spanish physician/botanist, who in 1569, wrote the famous herbal on the flora of North America titled “Joyfull newes out of the newe founde worlde”. As members of the Mint family, Monardas display distinctive square stems. Their flowers are arranged in whorls that stair-step up a single stem. The blooms of different species and varieties range from cream-colored to yellow or deep purple to lavender. Colored bracts surround the petals or corollas. Wildlife Value: They are an important nectar source for all species of swallowtail butterflies and are also utilized by bees, moths, and hummingbirds. Ethnobotany: They have been used by indigenous peoples as salves, (hence the name beebalm), to treat fevers, as teas and to aid sleep. The oil extracted from some species contains thymol, which has been used as an antiseptic or vermifuge. Thymol can cause vomiting, and therefore its use has declined. Landscape Value: When sown into a wildflower meadow or used as mass plantings, beebalms make a strong color statement. Their flowers are long lasting. Even a few plants can make a beautiful accent in a wildflower garden. They grow in various soil types and prefer full sunlight and can tolerate very dry conditions. Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Ann Black, for providing photos and research into these plant species, and most of all for assisting me in the writing of this week’s species. Ann is a volunteer and member of the Guadalupe River State Park’s Friend’s Group. |
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M. citriodora is an abundant lavender-flowering species found throughout Texas growing on roadsides or in meadows, prairies, and savannahs (Diggs et al. 1999). It is so named because of its pungent scented leaves that contain citronellol, used in perfumes and as an insect repellent. The leaves of lemon beebalm release a citrus scent when crushed and can be used to make an herbal tea. Bloom time: April to October (mainly May-July). Monarda citriodora / Location: Kendall County / Photo by: Ann Black |
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M. clinopodiodes is found along the limestone soils of the Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairies and the sandy soils of the Llano Uplift. Its flowers are light pink to white and emerge from densely clustered bracts. Bloom time: May to June. Monarda clinopodiodes / Location: I-10, Guadalupe County / Photo by: Ann Black |
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M. fistulosa is a lavender (rarely white) flowering species found along stream banks, hillsides, prairies, and woods in Southeast and East Texas west to the Western Cross Timbers region. The Shakers used a tea of this species to soothe sore throats (Tull 1999). Bloom Time: May to July. Monarda fistulosa / Date: 6-18-04 / Location: Martin Creek Lake State Park / Photo by: Jeff Sparks |
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M. lindheimeri is a creamy white flowering species found in open woods, in sandy or gravelly limestone soils primarily in Southeast and East Texas (Diggs et al. 1999). Bloom Time: May. Monarda lindheimeri / Date: 5-3-04 |
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M. punctata prefers sandy soils and is usually found in well-drained woods and fields. Its flowers are irregular in shape and are yellow or cream with purple spots, hence the name Spotted Beebalm. The name punctata, from the Latin punctatum meaning "a point", describes the purple-spotted yellow flowers that it bears. This species contains thymol, an antiseptic substance often used in cough syrups (Tull 1999). M. punctata is widely distributed and can be found from New Mexico to Florida, north to Minnesota and Vermont. Some references claim that it has likely escaped from cultivation elsewhere. Bloom time: May to July, sporadically to September. Monarda punctata / Date: 6-21-04 / Location: Tyler M&R Station / Photo by: Jeff Sparks Written by: Jeff Sparks Last Update: |
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Monarda citriodora, Lemon Beebalm, Lemon-Mint:
M. clinopodioides, Basil Beebalm:
Monarda fistulosa, Wild Bergamont, Long-flower Horsemint:
Monarda lindheimeri, Lindheimerís Beebalm:
Monarda punctata, Spotted Beebalm, Dotted Horsemint: