Dotted Horsemint Spotted Bee Balm (Florida Native)

Monarda punctata

This Florida native from the mint family grows wild in dry disturbed areas all along eastern North America and even into northeastern Mexico. Grows to be around 4 ft tall and blooms in late summer, with an abundance of showy pink/violet calyxes and white, spotted flowers, which attract tons of pollinators to your garden. 

Horsemint can be used as a cullinary herb, as it  contains thymol, and tastes/smells similar to Thyme and oregano. It has been used medicinally for digestive/gas problems, as well as for menstrual cramping. 

Dotted horsemint, or spotted beebalm is a fantastic addition to either an herb or pollinator garden.