Common Name: Bee Balm

Scientific Name: Monarda didyma

Family: Lamiaceae

Habitat: Meadows, Along Ponds and Streams

Native: Yes

Life Cycle: Perennial

Bloom Time: Summer

Height: Up to 4 feet

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, Well drained

Pollinators: Bees, Birds, Butterflies

Description: Bee Balm is a native perennial wildflower that grows naturally in meadows and along ponds and streams in moist, well drained soil and full sun to partly shady conditions. Bee Balm, which is named after its resins which have been used to treat bee stings, attracts many pollinators including several bees, birds, and butterflies. Bee Balm, which can be identified by its bright red or pink flowers, can also be identified by its toothed leaves that smell like mint. These photos of Bee Balm were taken in the Woodland Garden at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.