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Monarda pectinata - Nutt.

Common Name Plains Lemon Monarda, Pony beebalm
Family Lamiaceae or Labiatae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry soils[43].
Range N. America - Nebraska, Colorado and south to Texas.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Monarda pectinata Plains Lemon Monarda, Pony beebalm


www.flickr.com/photos/51035796522@N01
Monarda pectinata Plains Lemon Monarda, Pony beebalm
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


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Monarda pectinata is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses: Condiment  Tea

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

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Other Uses

Essential  Pot-pourri

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

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

Temperature Converter

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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

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.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Monarda citriodoraLemon Bergamot, Lemon beebalm. Lemon MintAnnual/Perennial0.6 5-9 FLMHSNM203
Monarda clinopodiaWhite Basil-Balm, White bergamotPerennial1.3 4-8  LMHSNM10 
Monarda didymaBergamot, Scarlet beebalm, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, Bee BalmPerennial0.9 4-10 MLMHSNM323
Monarda fistulosaWild Bergamot, Mintleaf bergamot, Wild Bee-Balm, LupinePerennial1.5 4-10 MLMHNDM322
Monarda menthifoliaMint-Leaved Bergamot, Mintleaf bergamotPerennial0.8 3-7  LMHSNM12 
Monarda punctataHorse Mint, Spotted beebalmAnnual/Perennial0.8 5-9  LMHSNDM131

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

Nutt.

Botanical References

43200

Links / References

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