Monarda pectinata
Nutt.
Plains Lemon Monarda, Pony beebalm
(c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair
(c) ellen hildebrandt, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by ellen hildebrandt
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves
Tea. Leaves - cooked. A strong aromatic flavour, they are used as a flavouring in cooked foods and salads.
Where to Find It
N. America - Nebraska, Colorado and south to Texas.
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Kansas (west), Nebraska, South Dakota (s.-c.), Oklahoma (west), Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California (southeast), Utah (south)), Mexico (north)
How to Identify
Monarda pectinata is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
How to Grow
Easily grown in ordinary garden soil so long as it is not too dry, though it prefers a sandy rather acidic soil in full sun. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, some reports say that it is no more than a synonym for M. citriodora. There is also some doubt over whether it is an annual or a perennial. A good bee plant. Subject to mildew in dry summers.
Propagation: Seed - sow mid to late spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 10 - 40 days at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late summer in areas where the winters are not too severe and will produce larger plants. Cuttings of soft basal shoots in spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Medicinal Uses
Anodyne Antiseptic Febrifuge Stings Stomachic. The plant is analgesic, antiseptic and stomachic. An infusion has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, fevers and stomach complaints. The plant has been rubbed on the head to bring relief from headache. An infusion of the flowers has been used as a wash on insect bites and stings.
Other Uses
Essential Pot-pourri. None known
