MONARDA 



(Named for Nicholas Monardes, Spanish botanist of the sixteenth century) 



77. Monarda didyma (M. fistulosa; M. kalmidna) 



English Names: Oswego tea, Bee balm, Rose balm, Low balm, Red or Scadet 

 balm, F^ragrant balm. Mountain mint, Indian's plume, Sweet Mary, Square stalk. 

 Horse mint. 



N. AMERICA 



MID-JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 



VERY fragrant, wide-mouthed, brilliant scarlet flowers borne in large 

 heads on rather coarse stalks two to four feet high. Leaves thin 

 and insignificant. Not an attractive plant in detail because of the coarse- 

 ness of its habit, but very 

 effective seen at a dis- 

 tance when massed in a 

 large herbaceous border 

 on account of the very 

 fine and vivid color of its 

 flowers. Excellent also for 

 naturalizing by the water 

 side or in woods. In- 

 creases so rapidly that it 

 sometimes proves trouble- 

 some in the border. 



A perfectly hardy per- 

 ennial of easiest culture 

 in any ordinary soil, in sun 

 or shade. Though its 

 natural habitat is in damp 

 places, it will thrive with- 

 out an unusual amount 

 of moisture. Should fre- 

 quently be divided. 



Propagate by division 

 in spring. 



Var. dlbdy a white- 

 flowered form, has the 

 habit of the type, but 

 lacks the brilliant color 

 of the flowers; has little to recommend it 



IS7 



