Lemon Beebalm
(Monarda citriodora)
Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora)
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Nathan May
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Nathan May
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nathan May | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nathan May | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-06-05T10:28:21-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Monarda citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Beebalm or Lemon-Mint, is an herbaceous plant that can behave as an annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial, depending on its growing conditions. It is native to the open prairies and grasslands of South-Central and Southwestern USA and Mexico, thriving in areas with well-drained soils. This member of the mint family typically reaches up to 90 centimeters (3 ft) in height and features several stems growing from the base, lined with pairs of lance-shaped leaves. The plant is known for its showy flowers, which bloom from May through July in the northern hemisphere, presenting a mix of white, purple, and pink hues. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
Lemon Beebalm is celebrated for its aromatic leaves, which release a lemony or oregano-like fragrance when crushed, and for its vibrant flowers that can create stunning displays in the landscape. It is commonly used in wildflower gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas. Lemon Beebalm is drought-tolerant, requiring little water once established, and it adapts well to full sun or part shade. It prefers clay-rich soils, typical of its native tallgrass prairie habitat, but is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage rates. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. It is not known to have aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but its potential to self-seed may require management in garden settings to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Lemon Beebalm is celebrated for its aromatic leaves, which release a lemony or oregano-like fragrance when crushed, and for its vibrant flowers that can create stunning displays in the landscape. It is commonly used in wildflower gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas. Lemon Beebalm is drought-tolerant, requiring little water once established, and it adapts well to full sun or part shade. It prefers clay-rich soils, typical of its native tallgrass prairie habitat, but is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage rates. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. It is not known to have aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but its potential to self-seed may require management in garden settings to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 0.8-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Open prairies and grasslands
Other Names
Common Names: Lemon-Mint , Lemon Mint , Citrontemynta
Scientific Names: Monarda citriodora
GBIF Accepted Name: Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag.