Monarda pectinata aka Plains Beebalm

Monarda pectinata is known as plains lemon monarda or pony beebalm. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Kew places its native range in the southwestern and central United States. Plants For A Future also lists it in northern Mexico. Its listed US range reaches from South Dakota to Texas. It also extends west to Arizona and southeastern California. The plant grows in temperate regions and occurs on dry soils.

Kew records this species as an annual. Plants For A Future leaves its annual or perennial habit uncertain. That source also notes past confusion with Monarda citriodora. The RHS accepts Monarda pectinata as the correct name. Reported height reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. The leaves have a strong scent and flavour. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. It also draws other wildlife to the garden.

Grow this plant in full sun rather than shade. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. It accepts ordinary garden soil with good drainage. Sandy, slightly acid soil suits it best. It can also grow in loam and heavy clay. Its stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Although it occurs in dry places, avoid letting garden soil become too dry. The source lists both dry and moist soils as suitable. Mildew can affect the plant during dry summers.

This species can grow in planted beds and support visiting bees. Its scented leaves offer another reason to grow it. Sow seed in a cold frame in mid to late spring. At 68°F, germination takes about 10 to 40 days. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them out in early summer. In places with mild winters, late-summer sowing outdoors is another option. Plants For A Future flags some weed potential but gives no detail.

The leaves have a recorded food use as a strong seasoning. The source lists cooked leaves and use in salads. It gives the plant a low edible-use rating. Traditional remedies used infusions for coughs, colds, fever, and stomach complaints. Other recorded uses include headache relief and washes for bites or stings. These records do not establish that such treatments work. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet.