Spotted Beebalm, Dotted Mint

Monarda punctata L.

moe-NARD-ah punk-TAY-tah

Lamiaceae

Explanation of name: Genus named for Nicolas Monardes (1493-1588) Spanish botanist and physician, author of medicinal flora of North America (1571), “Joyfull Newes.” (HUX). Punctata means dotted.

Natural range: North America, including most of Florida (WU3)

Recognition: Very showy mint with purplish bracts (without long awn tips), and strongly bilabiate flowers purple-dotted on white or yellow

Landscape uses: Native areas, native flower garden as an annual or biennial. Remarkably showy wildflower.