Seeds - Spotted Beebalm

For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) is a herbaceous perennial reaching heights of 60 to 90 cm, characterized by its yellow flowers marked with brown, surrounded by green and pink bracts that persist long after flowering. This member of the mint family stands out for its thyme-like fragrance and its tiered flowering, unlike other species of bee balm that have only one flower head per stem. The flowering of Monarda punctata extends from late summer to early autumn, providing a long period of colour and interest in dry, rocky gardens.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Spotted beebalm is primarily used to treat digestive issues and upper respiratory tract problems. The leaves have carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, and vesicant properties. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat various ailments. The leaves can be harvested before the plant flowers or along with the flowering stems. They can be used fresh or dried. The plant is a rich source of the medicinal essential oil ""thymol,"" which is antiseptic. It has been commercially cultivated for its essential oil, although this is now produced synthetically. The leaves can be consumed fresh, dried, or cooked. They have a strong aromatic flavour and are used as a seasoning in salads and cooked dishes, as well as in an aromatic herbal tea.

Ecological Role
Spotted beebalm plays an essential role as a host plant for several insect species, including specialized bees like Dufourea monardae and Perdita gerhardi, as well as butterflies and moths, such as the moth Anterastria teratophora and the moth Pyrausta generosa. Furthermore, it attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which come to feed on its nectar. Predatory wasps, which help control pests, are also attracted to this plant, enhancing its ecological utility in the garden.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.