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Above: Young Monarda stipitatoglandulosa in ASMSA Garden in late Summer 2025.
Above: Young Monarda stipitatoglandulosa in ASMSA Garden in late Summer 2025.
Left: Monarda stipitatoglandulosa in bloom.
Left: Monarda stipitatoglandulosa in bloom.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
This plant does best in full sun or partial shade. It thrives in a wide range of soils, from acid to basic, from rich to poor. It is heat tolerant and may also perform moderately in droughts. However, it is prone to mildew, so good drainage and air circulation are necessary.
Growth Habit/Description:
Showy perennial that grows up to 30" in height. Flowers in whorls, with petals measuring about one inch. Gray-green leaves are opposite and simple.
Bloom Season:
White flowers bloom from April to July.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
No.
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat: Beebalm grows in dry open woods, fields, wet meadows and ditches, and at the edges of woods and marshes.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? Yes
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Beebalm is a host plant for up to 11 species of caterpillar. It is a host plant for the Hermit Sphinx moth (Sphinx emeritus), and the Raspberry Pyrausta (Pyrausta acrionalis).
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. Its nectar attracts birds, hummingbirds, various species of butterflies, and other types of pollinators. It is typically deer-resistant.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: The genus name Monarda was created in honor of Nicolas Bautista Monardes, a Spanish physician and botanist.
Related Plant Species: Monarda stipitatoglandulosa is a variety of Monarda fistulosa, commonly referred to as wild bergamot. Monarda fistulosa typically features pinkish-purple blooms instead of white.
Use For Food/Medicine:
Beebalm has aromatic leaves that can be used to make mint tea. As Monarda stipitatoglandulosa is from the mint family Lamiaceae, its leaves have a minty smell. Oil from these leaves was formerly used to treat respiratory ailments.
References
References
Prairie Nursery. Bergamot. [Cited 2025, Sept 8]. Available from: https://www.prairienursery.com/bergamot-monarda-fistulosa.html?srsltid=AfmBOor8uaByz86TnO3u_VBBsFegHhdQg3SVrKDcLijf8w-Ek_VXhlie
Richardson, Mark. c. 2025. Ecological Landscape Alliance. Plant of the Month – Bradbury’s beebalm. [Cited 2025, Sept 8]. Available from: https://www.ecolandscaping.org/06/ela-publications/bulletin/monarda/
Wildflower Search. [Cited 2025, Sept 7]. Available from: https://wildflowersearch.org/search?&tsn=32292
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. Austin (TX): University of Texas--Austin. Monarda Fistulosa. [Cited 2025, Sept 7]. Available from: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=mofi
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