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Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata

Spotted Bee Balm or Horsemint can thrive in both heavier and sandy soils. It is more drought and sun tolerant compared to other bee balm species. A pollinator favorite.

USDA symbol: MOPU

General Information

Plant TypeForb
Height2 to 3 feet
Light ExposureSun
Soil MoistureDry
Bloom ColorPurple
Spotted Bee Balm (Spotted Bee Balm<div><em class="small">Monarda punctata</em></div>)
Photo credit: Minnesota Native Landscapes (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation ToleranceLow
General Resilience5
Salt ToleranceLow
Stress ToleranceDrought Tolerant, General Disturbance

Pollinator Value: Very High

Bloom MonthsJuly to September
Larval Host ofBees, Moths
Specific Pollinators HostedAnterastria teratophora, Dufourea monardae, Perdita gerhardi, Pyrausta generosa, Pyrausta signatalis
Pollinator BenefitInsect Pollinated, Provides Nectar, Stem Nesting

Project Planning

Project TypeBoulevard, Rain Garden, Shoreline Buffer
Coefficient of Conservatism4
Herbivore SensitivityLow
LifespanPerennial
Rate of SpreadMedium
Soil StabilizationDeep
Vegetative ReproductionClonal

Range

CountyAnoka, Benton, Chisago, Fillmore, Houston, Isanti, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona
EcoregionDriftless Area, Lake Agassiz Plain, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Western Cornbelt Plains
Approximate Eco ProvinceEastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland, Tallgrass Aspen Parklands