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Beebalm

Monarda didyma, Mentha longifolia

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameBeebalm

DescriptionShowy perennial herb featuring dense, pom-pom-like clusters of tubular flowers in vibrant shades of red, pink, purple, or white atop square stems. Aromatic leaves release a distinctive citrus-mint fragrance when crushed, reminiscent of bergamot orange. A pollinator powerhouse that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while providing edible flowers and leaves for herbal teas and culinary use.

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusMonarda

TribeMentheae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula⨁ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A2+2 G(2)

Radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals, 5 fused petals forming two-lipped corolla, 4 stamens arranged in two whorls of 2 (didynamous), 2 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features

Name 'Bee Balm' reflects the plant's strong attraction to bees and historical use in treating bee stings. 'Monarda' honors Spanish botanist Nicolas Monardes. 'Oswego Tea' refers to Native American use by Oswego people who brewed leaves as tea substitute during Boston Tea Party era
Tubular flowers arranged in dense, spherical clusters (2-4 inches across) with spiky, two-lipped blooms that flare open. Flowers surrounded by colorful bracts. Blooms attract long-tongued pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies
Herbaceous perennial in mint family with characteristic square stems. Blooms mid to late summer (June-September). Spreads by rhizomes to form colonies. Some varieties prone to powdery mildew in humid conditions
Grows 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall with 2-3 foot (60-90 cm) spread. Lifespan of 3-5 years before division recommended. Propagated by division in spring or fall, or from seed (blooms second year from seed)
Native to eastern North America from Ontario to Georgia, west to Minnesota and Missouri. Found in moist meadows, woodland edges, and along streams. Now naturalized in many temperate regions
Thrives in full sun to partial shade with at least 6 hours of sunlight. Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. More sun tolerant with consistent moisture. Good air circulation reduces mildew
Leaves and flowers edible, used in teas, salads, and as garnish. Contains thymol, an antiseptic compound. Traditional medicine for digestive issues and colds. Excellent cut flower. Dried leaves retain fragrance for potpourri

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificMonarda didyma, Mentha longifolia

English (Alternate)Wild Bergamot, Horsemint, Oswego tea, Bergamot, Crimson Bee Balm, Mentha Longifolia, Spotted Bee Balm, Dotted Horsemint, Spotted Horsemint, Agastache urticifolia, and Nettle-Leaved Horsemint

Hindiलेमन बाम (Lemon Balm)

Tamilபூஞ்சை மரம் (pōnjai maram), காட்டுமணச்செடி (kaatumanachchedi)

Teluguబ్లూ బాల్మ్ (būlū bāl'm), మండుపాకు (mandupāku)

Malayalamചിത്രശലഭ പുഷ്പം (Chithrashalabha Pushpam)

Kannadaನಿಂಬೆ (nimbē)

Sanskritमधुकारिन् (madhukārin), मधुकारिन् अञ्जनम् (madhukārin anjanaṃ)

Bengaliশুক্লী (Shukli), অসওয়েগো চা (Osowego cha), লেবু তুলসী (Lebu tulsi)

Frenchmonarde, melisse d'or (golden balm), melisse d'or herbe (golden balm herb)

Russianмёд (med)

Spanishbergamota, miel de abeja

GermanMonarde, Goldmelisse, Blumenmelisse

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.