MONARDA punctata (Spotted Beebalm)

Monarda punctata, commonly known as Spotted Beebalm or Horsemint, is a flowering herbaceous plant native to North America. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is known for its distinctive spotted bracts and aromatic foliage. Appearance: Spotted Beebalm is a perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm). It features square stems with opposite pairs of lance-shaped leaves that are serrated along the edges. The leaves are dark green and emit a pleasant minty fragrance when crushed. Flowers: The most striking feature of Monarda punctata is its flowers, which are arranged in dense clusters at the top of the stems. Each flower cluster consists of several tubular-shaped blossoms surrounded by showy, colorful bracts. The bracts are typically pale yellow to cream-colored with purple or reddish-brown spots, giving the plant its common name, Spotted Beebalm. Bloom Time: Spotted Beebalm blooms from mid- to late summer, typically from July to September, depending