Lemon mint

Description

Monarda citriodora is an aromatic winter annual that grows to a height of 1-2 ft. It has unusual, tuft-like, lavender to pink, whorled flower heads that bloom during May through July (Wildflower 2009). Leaves are whitish or lavender and Several stems grow from the base and are lined with pairs of lance-shaped leaves. The plant’s leaves have a distinct citrus or lemony scent. Bees and butterflies are attracted to this plant.

History

Also known as lemon beebalm, horsemint, plains horsemint, or lemon horsemint, Monarda citriodora is native to Midwest/Southern U.S. but has since been naturalized throughout the U.S.

References

Wildflower Center of UT of Austin. http://www.wildflower.org/plants/ (Accessed on June 30, 2009) Search term: Monarda citriodora

Disclaimer 

Information on this website is for educational purposes only. Many herbs historically used for medicine are considered too toxic to use today; some of these herbs have caused deaths. Do not ingest these herbs based on information on this website. We have not provided sufficient information for the safe medicinal use of any of these herbs, nor sufficient information for treatment of poisoning. All recreational use of these herbs is dangerous.