Scientific Family
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Monarda menthaefolia
Other common names
beebalm
Oswego-Tea
mintleaf beebalm
wildbergamot beebalm
wildbergamot horsemint
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
M. citriodora, M. pectinata
Height
1 to 2-1/2 feet
Riparian
Yes
Aromatic perennial with erect stems that are mostly simple with fine hairs above and smooth below. Spreads by creeping rhizomes. Flowers in terminal clusters in axils of upper leaves.
Stems branching, square, hairy; leaves coarsely toothed, hairy underneath, smooth or hairy on top; clusters of lavender or pink flowers, looking like ragged pompoms, bloom atop open-branched stems.
Habitat
Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests, open to shaded habitats, canyons, streambanks, moist soils.
Plant Community
Riparian
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
8500
Flower Characteristics
Flower heads terminal, subtended by leafy bracts; flower throats hairy.
Flower color
Pink, purple
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems leaved, leaves smooth to hairy, paler below, mostly 1 to 2 inches long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Triangular
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Nutlets 4, oblong, smooth.
Fruit type
Nutlet