Spotted Mint
Monarda punctata
The leaf-like bracts in the flower head are showy, but to bees and butterflies the small flowers are attractive
$3.00 – $441.00
For quantity discount pricing, request a quote.
Description
Monarda punctata, commonly called Spotted Mint or Spotted Beebalm, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) that typically occurs in dryish soils on prairies, sandy areas and coastal plains.
Wildlife notes
The nectar and pollen of Spotted Mint attract honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees, and Plasterer bees; butterflies also visit the flowers of Spotted Bee Balm for nectar. The oregano-scented foliage is repugnant to mammalian herbivores and rarely consumed by them.
Forage notes
Livestock tend to avoid plants in the mint family.
Landscaping notes
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in sandy soils with consistent moisture. Tolerates somewhat poor soils and drought. Remove spent flowers to improve plant appearance and possibly to prolong bloom. Spreads by runners to form large clumps but is not considered to be too aggressive. Perennial borders, cottage gardens, meadows, wild gardens and herb gardens. Also effective in containers. Interesting addition to butterfly gardens. Long summer bloom period. Deer tend to avoid this plant. Spotted Bee Balm has greater tolerance of sun and drought than many other Monarda spp.
Restoration notes
Habitats include sand prairies, hill prairies, sandy Black Oak savannas, and sandy fields. This species can be found in both disturbed and higher quality sandy habitats.
Additional information
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Unit | Packet, Ounce, Pound |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Soils | Dry, Average |
| Height | 20"-30" |
| Bloom Month | Jun, Jul |
| Color | Purple, Lavendar |
| Specialty Uses | Butterfly, Landscaping, Cut Flower, Edible, Medicinal |
| # seeds/pkt | 200 |
| Packet coverage area | 5 sq. ft |
