Monarda pectinata - Nutt.

Common Name

Spotted Beebalm

Family

Lamiaceae

USDA hardiness

5-9

Known Hazards

Avoid frequent large servings; seed edibility unverified.

Habitats

Dry soils[43].

Range

N. America - Nebraska, Colorado and south to Texas.

Edibility Rating

(3 of 5)

Other Uses

(2 of 5)

Weed Potential

Yes

Medicinal Rating

(2 of 5)

Care (info)


www.flickr.com/photos/51035796522@N01

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3

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Summary

Spotted beebalm is a small, aromatic annual wildflower native to the plains, mesas, and dry grasslands of western North America. It is especially characteristic of the American Southwest, where it grows in sandy soils and produces delicate white-to-pink flowers during the warmer months. Like other members of the Monarda genus, spotted beebalm has strongly scented leaves and flowers. Its distinctive fragrance comes from aromatic compounds that give the plant a powerful, spicy flavor. Although it is generally smaller than wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), spotted beebalm has similar culinary qualities. Its leaves and flowers can be used as seasonings, herbal infusions, or occasional cooked greens. The leaves and flowers are edible, but their intense flavor makes them more suitable as culinary herbs than as substantial vegetables. Fresh leaves and flowers are extremely spicy, without unpleasant acrid, bitter, soapy, tar-like, or latex-like flavors. Both parts are soft, tender, and easy to chew. The plant can be gathered relatively easily where it grows abundantly. Its aromatic leaves and flowers can also be dried, retaining their flavor for several months. This makes spotted beebalm particularly useful as a seasonal wild herb that can be stored and used to flavor soups, stews, and other foods during winter. We caution that regularly consuming meal-sized quantities of beebalm may be unhealthful. Moderate culinary use is therefore preferable. Beyond its edible uses, spotted beebalm is an attractive native wildflower that provides floral resources for pollinating insects and contributes to the biodiversity of dry grasslands.

Physical Characteristics

Monarda pectinata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Homotypic Synonyms: Monarda citriodora var. pectinata (Nutt.) Allred. Heterotypic Synonyms: Monarda nuttallii A.Nelson. Monarda penicillata A.Gray.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses: Condiment Tea

Spotted beebalm is an attractive, aromatic annual with useful culinary and ecological qualities. Its leaves and flowers have an extremely spicy flavor and can be used in small quantities as seasonings or occasional cooked greens. The plant is relatively easy to gather where abundant, and dried leaves and flowers retain their aromatic qualities for several months. This makes it a useful seasonal herb that can provide flavoring material well beyond the flowering period. However, its intense flavor and the caution against frequent large servings mean that it is better suited to seasoning foods than providing substantial quantities of vegetables. The species is also of interest for native gardens because of its attractive flowers and potential value to pollinators. Edible parts: Leaves and flowers [2-3]. The leaves and flowers can be used fresh, cooked, or dried. Their principal culinary value is as strongly aromatic seasonings. Fresh foliage has an extremely spicy flavor that can be overpowering when eaten in large quantities. We report no noticeable acrid, bitter, soapy, tar-like, or latex-like characteristics. Both the leaves and flowers have a tender, nonfibrous texture [2-3]. This makes them relatively easy to chew, although their flavor is generally too strong for substantial servings. The plant can be cooked as a potherb, particularly when combined with milder leafy vegetables. Spotted beebalm is thought to have edible qualities similar to wild bergamot. However, we do not provide a separate detailed cooking assessment for M. pectinata, so the extent to which boiling reduces its flavor should not be assumed to be identical [2-3]. Dried leaves and flowers retain their aromatic qualities for several months and can be used as seasonings. The roots, stems, and seeds are not established as edible [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 3 out of 5 – Good culinary herb and seasoning plant. Spotted beebalm has several useful edible characteristics. Its leaves and flowers are strongly aromatic, tender, and easy to gather. The plant can be used fresh or dried, and its ability to retain flavour during storage increases its culinary value. However, its extremely spicy flavor limits the quantities normally desirable in food. The caution against frequent large servings also reduces its usefulness as a substantial leafy vegetable. A rating of 3/5 reflects its value as a seasoning rather than a staple food. Taste and Preparation: Spotted beebalm has a powerful, spicy flavor characteristic of aromatic members of the mint family. Both the leaves and flowers are extremely spicy, but without the unpleasant bitterness or acridity found in some wild plants [2-3]. Fresh Leaves: Fresh leaves can be used sparingly to season foods. Their flavor is intense, so relatively small quantities are usually sufficient. The leaves are tender and easy to chew, without noticeable tough fibers. They may be finely chopped and added to vegetable dishes, soups, or other savory preparations. Cooked Leaves: The leaves can be used as an occasional potherb. Cooking may make the strong flavor more manageable, as described for closely related wild bergamot. However, field notes do not document a separate boiling trial for spotted beebalm [2-3]. It is therefore more accurate to describe cooked use as possible rather than to claim a specific degree of flavor improvement. Flowers: The flowers are edible and have a similarly intense, spicy flavor. They may be used in small quantities as garnishes or seasonings. Their delicate appearance also makes them attractive additions to food presentations. Herbal Infusions: The aromatic leaves and flowers may be used to prepare herbal infusions. Field notes establish their culinary use as seasonings but do not provide a separate detailed taste assessment of spotted beebalm tea [2-3]. Consequently, its infusion should not automatically be described as identical in flavour to lemon beebalm or wild bergamot tea. Dried Seasoning: Drying is one of the most useful ways to preserve spotted beebalm. Field notes report that dried plant material retains its aromatic qualities for at least several months [2-3]. Dried leaves and flowers can be stored and used during winter. They are particularly suitable for seasoning soups, stews, and other cooked dishes. Store the dried material in clean, airtight containers away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Seasonality: Spotted beebalm is a warm-season annual. Field notes describe flowering from May to September in the American Southwest [2-3]. Flowering varies according to rainfall, elevation, and temperature. The plant may germinate following spring or summer rainfall and develop rapidly during favorable conditions. Leaves can be gathered during active growth, while flowers are available during the blooming period. Dried foliage and flowers can be stored for later use, extending their culinary availability beyond the growing season. Traditional Uses: Field notes indicate that Native American communities used beebalms primarily as seasonings rather than as vegetables eaten in large quantities. Their strong aromatic qualities made them useful for flavoring foods. Spotted beebalm shares these characteristics with other members of the genus. However, we have not identified a particular Indigenous community or historical preparation specifically associated with Monarda pectinata. It would therefore be inappropriate to attribute documented uses of wild bergamot or lemon beebalm automatically to spotted beebalm. The species can be described as an aromatic wild herb with edible leaves and flowers, while any specific ethnobotanical uses should be supported by species-level references. Safety: Spotted beebalm leaves and flowers are described as edible. However, their strong aroma makes moderation important. Leaves - cooked. A strong aromatic flavour, they are used as a flavouring in cooked foods and salads[61, 161].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anodyne Antiseptic Febrifuge Stings Stomachic

The plant is analgesic, antiseptic and stomachic[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, fevers and stomach complaints[257]. The plant has been rubbed on the head to bring relief from headache[257]. An infusion of the flowers has been used as a wash on insect bites and stings[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Essential Pot-pourri

Spotted beebalm is a potentially attractive annual for native wildflower gardens, dryland landscapes, and pollinator plantings. Its small size makes it suitable for the front of garden borders or among other low-growing wildflowers. Spotted beebalm is a potentially useful plant for pollinating insects. Its flowers have the tubular, two-lipped structure characteristic of Monarda, a genus widely associated with bees and other flower visitors. The species flowers during the warmer months, when many insects are active. Its floral resources may contribute to pollinator diversity in native grasslands and open woodlands. However, specific pollinator relationships for Monarda pectinata have not been independently established in the sources reviewed. It would therefore be premature to identify particular bee species, butterflies, or hummingbirds as confirmed pollinators. The plant also contributes seasonal vegetation and floral diversity to its native habitats.

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Spotted beebalm is a potentially attractive annual for native wildflower gardens, dryland landscapes, and pollinator plantings. Its small size makes it suitable for the front of garden borders or among other low-growing wildflowers. The plant is best suited to full sun and well-drained soil. Its natural occurrence on sandy plains and mesas suggests that it is adapted to relatively dry, open conditions. However, its drought tolerance does not mean seeds can germinate without moisture. Watering during establishment may be necessary in cultivated settings. Once established, plants should not require the consistently moist conditions preferred by some other beebalms. Heavy fertilization is unlikely to be necessary. The plant's annual life cycle means that new seedlings are needed each year. Its suitability for cultivation outside its native range has not been studied extensively, so it is best to start with small plantings and monitor self-seeding. USDA Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5–9 (approximate growing range). Spotted beebalm is an annual, so its ability to grow in a region depends more on the length and warmth of the growing season than on minimum winter temperatures. Unlike perennial wild bergamot, spotted beebalm does not normally survive winter as a persistent plant. It completes its life cycle by producing seeds. The proposed zone range is a cultivation estimate, not a verified species-specific hardiness classification. In colder regions, the plant may be grown during summer, provided there is sufficient time for flowering and seed production. In the American Southwest, germination and growth are strongly influenced by seasonal rainfall. Growth Rate: Fast under favorable conditions. Spotted beebalm is a relatively small annual that germinates, flowers, and produces seeds within one growing season. Rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions influence its development. Field notes describe it as relatively easy to gather in suitable southwestern habitats, indicating that plants can occur in locally abundant populations. Growth may be rapid following rainfall, particularly in open, sandy soils. However, a measured growth rate in centimeters per week has not been established. Mature Size: Height: typically 10–30 cm (4–12 inches). Our field notes give this range, while the Southwest Environmental Information Network (SEINet) describes plants approximately 15–30 cm tall. Spread: Approximately 10–30 cm is a provisional estimate for individual plants. A reliable published maximum spread has not been verified. Spotted beebalm is generally much smaller than perennial wild bergamot. Its upright stems may branch several times from the base, producing a relatively open growth habit. Plant size can vary with rainfall, soil fertility, and competition. Identification: Spotted beebalm is a small, upright annual herb with aromatic foliage and tiered clusters of white or pale pink flowers. Stems: The stems are upright and may branch several times from the base. Plants are generally 10–30 cm tall. As a member of the mint family, the stems are typically four-angled. They may be covered with fine hairs. Leaves: The leaves are simple and arranged oppositely along the stems. They are generally narrow to broadly lance-shaped. SEINet describes leaf blades approximately 20–40 mm long and 4–10 mm wide, with short hairs and margins ranging from nearly smooth to toothed. The PFAF field notes similarly describe narrow to broad lance-shaped leaves with smooth or toothed margins. The foliage releases a strong aromatic scent when crushed. Flowers: The flowers are arranged in dense, head-like clusters along the upper stems. These clusters form interrupted tiers, or verticils. SEINet describes inflorescences with approximately three to six dense verticils. The surrounding bracts are generally green. The flowers are white to pale pink and have two lips. The upper lip is long, narrow, arching, and generally hairless. The central lobe of the lower lip is usually rounded or pointed. The calyx has five nearly equal, spine-tipped teeth and approximately 15 longitudinal veins. There are two fertile stamens. This relatively low number of fertile stamens is a useful feature of the genus Monarda. Fruits and Seeds: The fruits are small nutlets. SEINet describes them as ovoid, with surfaces ranging from smooth to slightly net-like. They develop within the persistent calyces after flowering. The seeds are not established as edible in the PFAF field notes. Roots: Spotted beebalm is an annual and does not normally develop the persistent rhizomatous root system characteristic of perennial wild bergamot. Its roots support one season of growth before the plant completes its life cycle. The roots are not established as edible. Similar Species: Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora): Lemon beebalm is the closest relative. Both plants are aromatic annuals with narrow leaves and tiered flower clusters. However, lemon beebalm often has conspicuously coloured bracts, while spotted beebalm generally has green bracts. The upper lip of lemon beebalm flowers is hairy, whereas the upper lip of spotted beebalm is generally hairless. The central lobe of the lower lip also differs. It often appears truncate or cut off in lemon beebalm but is usually rounded or pointed in spotted beebalm. Both species have strongly spicy leaves and flowers. Their close relationship is reflected in their taxonomic history, with spotted beebalm sometimes treated as a variety of lemon beebalm. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Wild bergamot is a larger perennial species with pinkish-purple flowers. It generally produces terminal flower heads rather than the interrupted tiers characteristic of spotted beebalm. Wild bergamot spreads through rhizomes, while spotted beebalm is annual. The PFAF field notes describe both species as having strongly aromatic leaves and flowers suitable for seasoning foods. Spotted Horsemint (Monarda punctata): Spotted horsemint is another aromatic species with tiered flower clusters. Its flowers are commonly cream or pale yellow with purple spots and are surrounded by conspicuous coloured bracts. Spotted beebalm generally has white or pale pink flowers and green bracts. The shared common names can cause confusion, so use scientific names when discussing their edible or medicinal properties. Important Taxonomic Note: The accepted scientific name is Monarda pectinata Nutt. Kew's Plants of the World Online currently recognizes it as an accepted species native to the southwestern and central United States. Kew lists the following synonyms: Monarda citriodora var. pectinata (Nutt.) Allred, Monarda nuttallii A.Nelson, Monarda penicillata A.Gray (orthographic variant). The first name is particularly important because it reflects an alternative classification in which spotted beebalm is treated as a variety of lemon beebalm. Easily grown in ordinary garden soil so long as it is not too dry[1, 200], though it prefers a sandy rather acidic soil in full sun[200]. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, some reports say that it is no more than a synonym for M. citriodora[183]. There is also some doubt over whether it is an annual or a perennial. A good bee plant[200]. Subject to mildew in dry summers[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow mid to late spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 10 - 40 days at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late summer in areas where the winters are not too severe and will produce larger plants. Cuttings of soft basal shoots in spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Plains Lemon Monarda, Pony beebalm, Spotted beebalm, plains beebalm, pony beebalm, plains horsemint.

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Kansas (west), Nebraska, South Dakota (s.-c.), Oklahoma (west), Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California (southeast), Utah (south)), Mexico (north)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Low to moderate. Spotted beebalm is a native annual and is not widely recognised as a serious agricultural or environmental weed. It reproduces by seed and may establish new plants in open ground where conditions are suitable. Its relatively small size and annual life cycle generally make it less persistent than rhizomatous perennial species. However, self-seeding could allow populations to persist in gardens or disturbed areas. There is insufficient evidence to classify it as a significant invasive species outside its native range.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Monarda citriodora	Lemon Bergamot, Lemon beebalm. Lemon Mint	Annual	0.9	5-10	F	LM	N	M	3	2	3
Monarda clinopodia	White Basil-Balm, White bergamot	Perennial	1.3	4-8		LMH	SN	M	1	0
Monarda didyma	Bergamot, Scarlet beebalm, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, Bee Balm	Perennial	0.9	4-10	M	LMH	SN	M	3	2	3
Monarda fistulosa	Wild Bergamot, Mintleaf bergamot, Wild Bee-Balm, Lupine	Perennial	1.2	3-9	M	LMH	N	DM	3	2	2
Monarda menthifolia	Mint-Leaved Bergamot, Mintleaf bergamot	Perennial	0.8	3-7		LMH	SN	M	1	2
Monarda punctata	Horse Mint, Spotted beebalm	Annual/Perennial	0.8	5-9		LMH	SN	DM	1	3	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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