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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Monarda menthifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. 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 and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
M. fistulosa menthifolia. (Graham.)Fern.
Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses: Tea
Leaves - used as an aromatic tea[212]. The leaves are a very common and popular potherb with the Hopi Indians - they are gathered and dried in bundles for winter use[216].
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.
Anaesthetic Antiseptic Diaphoretic
The leaves and flowering stems are anaesthetic, antiseptic and diaphoretic[238]. An infusion is used in the treatment of fevers and sore throats[257]. The pulverized plant has been rubbed on the head to bring relief from a headache[257]. An infusion of the plant is used as a wash on wounds[257]. The plant is a source of the medicinal essential oil 'thymol', which is antiseptic[212].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Easily grown in ordinary garden soil so long as it is not too dry[1, 200]. Requires a moist soil and a sunny position[200]. A good bee plant[200]. Subject to mildew in dry summers[200]. The Hopi Indians occasionally cultivate this plant as a pot herb[216].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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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
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
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 Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
| Monarda citriodora | Lemon Bergamot, Lemon beebalm. Lemon Mint | Annual/Perennial | 0.6 |
5-9
| F | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | 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 | 1.5 |
4-10
| M | LMH | N | DM | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Monarda pectinata | Plains Lemon Monarda, Pony beebalm | Annual/Perennial | 1.0 |
0-0
| | LMH | N | DM | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 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.
Expert comment
Author
Graham.
Botanical References
200
New Responsive 2
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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Subject : Monarda menthifolia
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