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Bee Balm

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description Bee Balm Overview

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to eastern North America. It typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall with square stems and opposite, serrated leaves, producing clusters of bright red tubular flowers from mid to late summer that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The plant's leaves have a fragrance similar to bergamot orange and were historically used as a tea substitute, giving it the name Oswego tea. Indigenous peoples of the region also used it for its antiseptic properties.

help Bee Balm FAQ

What pollinators are most attracted to the wildflower Bee Balm?

True to its name, Bee Balm is a massive draw for foraging bees, but it is also highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Its brilliant red, tubular flowers are specifically shaped to accommodate hummingbird beaks.

What historical beverage is associated with the Bee Balm plant?

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) has a rich history of being used as a medicinal tea, famously referred to as Oswego tea. The plant's leaves were historically used as a substitute for imported black tea following the Boston Tea Party.

What plant family does Bee Balm belong to?

Bee Balm is a North American aromatic herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. Like other members of the mint family, it features distinct square stems and fragrant foliage.

When does Bee Balm typically bloom during the year?

Bee Balm typically blooms in the mid-to-late summer, providing a burst of brilliant red color in the garden from July through August. Regular deadheading of the spent tubular flowers can help extend this blooming period.

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