Monarda citriodora
lemon beebalm, purple horsemint, lemon mint, plains horsemint, lemon horsemint, horsemint, purple lemon mint
Family
Lamiaceae
Leaf Arrangement
whorled
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Margin
ciliate, serrate, subentire
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
oblong, elliptic, lanceolate
Growth Form
forb
Flower Color
blue, pink, purple, white
Flower Month
May - August
Height (meters)
0.3 - 0.8
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
annual, biennial, perennial
Animal Use
Acceptable to cattle as forage. Bees, butterflies, insects and hummingbirds are attracted to this plant for its nectar.
Habitat
Pastures. Mostly in sandy loams or rocky soils on slopes and hills or in prairies, meadows, and savannas.
Plant Uses
Horsemint has a distinctive citrus or lemony scent when the leaves are rubbed or crushed. Leaves used raw or cooked for flavoring in salads, cooked foods, and for tea.