Species PlantsSpotted Beebalm

Spotted Beebalm

Monarda punctata

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)

Spotted Beebalm is one of the most unusual and striking native wildflowers, with whorled tiers of spotted yellow tubular flowers surrounded by showy pink to lavender bracts that make the whole plant look like a floral arrangement. Growing 1–3 feet tall in dry sandy and rocky soils, it is highly drought-tolerant. Spotted Beebalm is a strong medicinal plant — its essential oils have been studied for antimicrobial properties. It attracts extraordinary diversity of native bees.

Habitat
Found on dry sandy soils, rocky prairies, roadsides, and open pine woodlands in eastern North America.
Diet
Attracts one of the highest diversities of native bees of any native wildflower; also supports specialist Monarda bees.
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Spotted Beebalm

The best time to see a Spotted Beebalm is May–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 20,811 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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