Scarlet bee balm
(Monarda didyma)
Left: Monarda didyma from the ASMSA garden in the early fall of 2024.
Above: Mature Monarda didyma in full bloom.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Scarlet bee balm is best grown in full sun to partial shade and in moist, rich, acidic, and well-draining soils. They prefer neutral to slightly acidic soils (pH level of 6.0 to 7.0) but are tolerant of most soil types.
Growth Habit/Description:
The plant is perennial and has a height of 2-3' tall with infrequent branching. Leaves are a moderate to deep green and are anywhere from 2-6" long. After the blooming period commences the plant's flowers are then swapped with ovoid nutlets. Scarlet Beebalm typically forms clonal colonies and its root system produces rhizomes.
Bloom Season:
Its bloom duration lasts from May to October when in its Northeastern habitat. In contrast, when in the Southeast, it lasts from late spring to summer. The petals of the flower tend to be tinted a red or purple color during blooming season.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
Yes. Since Spring and Fall are the ideal times for Scarlet Beebalm to bloom, this plant exhibits a brilliant bright red color in the Fall.
Distribution
Habitat: Fragrant sumac is common along open woodlands, prairies, meadows, stream banks, mountains, woodland borders, as well as thickets.
Native to Arkansas? No
Native to Garland County? No
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Scarlet bee balm is a host plant for the Orange Mint Moth (Pyrausta orphisalis), the Gray Marvel Moth (Anterastria teratophora) and the Pyralid Moth (Pyralidae).
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. The nectar and pollen from Scarlet bee balm attracts primarily hummingbirds, Swallowtail butterflies, and bees among other insects that pollinate. The plant itself is also non poisonous and have no reported toxic effects.
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: The term Monarda is derived from Nicholas Monardes who was author that presented many plants from North America to Europe. Didyma when translated from Latin means "in pairs" which refers to the plant's stamens.
Related Plant Species: Scarlet bee balm's (Monarda didyma) relative, the Wild Bergamont (Mondarda fistula), performs very well in areas with partial sun and moderate moisture whereas its other relative, the Spotted beebalm, does not.
Use For Food/Medicine:
An infusion has been used in the treatment of measles, weak bowels, heart problems, and nosebleeds (taken orally). Poultice of Scarlet bee balm have been used for treating headaches and colds. Other medicinal uses include rextracting worms, treating gas, and improving sleep. Scarlet bee balm is also, though not often, utilized as a food source. Herbal teas such as Earl Grey tea are created from its leaves and flowers.
References
Markson, Laura. Sep. 23, 2021. c 2024. Nurture Native Nature. Monarda didyma. [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://www.nurturenativenature.com/post/enjoy-native-spotted-beebalm-s-whimsical-complexity
Moerman, Daniel. c 2024. Chestertown (MD): Washington College. Scarlet Beebalm. [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from:
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. Austin (TX): University of Texas-Austin. Monarda didyma. [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MODI
Hilty, John. c 2004-2018. Illinois Wildflowers. Monada didyma. [Cited 2024, Sept 17]. Available from: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/bee_balm.htm
Edited by Jade Espinoza, September 2024.