Species › Plants › Scarlet Beebalm

Scarlet Beebalm

Monarda didyma

CommonPlant
Illustration of Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma)

Scarlet Beebalm is a native wildflower of moist mountain stream corridors in the Appalachians, producing shaggy, brilliant red flower heads with brightly colored bracts. Its tubular flowers are specially adapted for ruby-throated hummingbirds and long-tongued native bees. The leaves emit a strong oregano-like fragrance and were used to make Oswego tea.

Habitat
Moist mountain stream banks and forest edges in the Appalachians
Diet
Primary pollinator is ruby-throated hummingbird; nectar for bumblebees and others
How common
Common

Best time to see a Scarlet Beebalm

The best time to see a Scarlet Beebalm is July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,838 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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