Lemon Mint

Description

Monarda citriodora, commonly called lemon mint or lemon beebalm, is a hardy annual (sometimes biennial) native forb (wildflower). In Missouri, it primarily occurs in glades and rocky prairies south of the Missouri River.

The nectar of Lemon Mint flowers can be expected to attract such visitors as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, bumblebees, hummingbird clear-wing moths, and butterflies.

Livestock tend to avoid plants in the mint family.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers limestone-rich, rocky or sandy soils, but tolerates other soils. Prefers full sun. Plant seed in fall or early spring. This plant will remain in the garden from year to year by self-seeding. Plants may form large colonies in optimum growing conditions. Bedding plant, cottage gardens, herb gardens, native plant areas, prairies, roadsides or waste areas. Also effective in hummingbird or butterfly gardens. Leaves may be used to make herbal teas.

In its native range this wildflower is found primarily in dry prairies.