A clump-forming plant producing many long-lasting lavender flowers. A mint family member with pinkish to whitish, purple-spotted flowers in dense heads at the top of square stems. Each flower head rests on a whorl of showy, purplish, leafy bracts. Flowers attract bees and butterflies when they bloom in May and June. The aromatic gray-green leaves may be used in teas.Part of our Pollinator Buffet plant tag series. The black and yellow bumble bee and the rarer American bumble bee are two of the largest bees in the Midwest. Flowers used by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Bee Balm
Monarda bradburiana
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Lavender, Pink / Rose
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Hummingbird

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators

Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
18 to
24
inches
Spread:
16 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
24
inches
Spread: 16 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
24
inches
Spread: 16 to
24
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in the perennial border, native garden, butterfly garden, edge of woodland or prairie.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows well in full sun or light shade in dry soil. Unlike other members of the Mint family, Bee Balm stays in a clump instead of by spreading by rhizomes.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.