Monarda punctata - Horsemint seeds

The Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) is a native aromatic perennial plant from eastern North America that blooms all summer. Its small flowers surrounded by colourful bracts are arranged in whorls, giving the flowering an unusual and charming appearance. Appreciated by pollinators, this beautiful bee balm thrives in sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. It will bring a delightful rural touch to flower meadows and wildflower beds.

A member of the Lamiaceae family, Spotted Bee Balm is perennial or sometimes biennial depending on the climate. It is a botanical species that grows in sandy and coastal meadows ranging from Quebec to Florida, and down to Texas. It is found in rather dry, often disturbed areas, on poor soils. This fast-growing plant reaches between 30 cm and 60 cm in height. Its square, brownish or purple stems, bear lanceolate, green, 2 to 7 cm long leaves, arranged oppositely which are aromatic when crushed. Its small tubular flowers are dotted with purple on a light yellow background. They are carried in staggered whorls on the stem, surrounded by bracts in shades of pink, lavender, or cream. Flowering occurs from June to September, followed by the formation of small seeds in brownish capsules. The above-ground vegetation is deciduous. This means that its leaves fall at the end of the growing season, typically in autumn, before the plant goes dormant for the winter. This bee balm is often described as a plant with a relatively short lifespan, but it can persist in the garden through self-seeding.

The Spotted Bee Balm is charming in naturalised meadows, especially on poor, sandy soils. It adds a wild touch to flower beds, while attracting a variety of wildlife. Pair it with American plants that thrive in similar environments, such as Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed), a grass like Schizachyrium scoparium, Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus', and Rudbeckia 'Prairie Sun'. 

The young leaves can be used like marjoram, in salads or to flavour sauces.