Eastern Beebalm
Monarda bradburiana
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
Plantlady
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Monarda
- Species:
- Monarda bradburiana
- USDA Symbol:
- MOBR2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Coleophora heinrichella, Coleophora monardella, Eutrepsia inconstans, Hermit sphinx (Sphinx eremitus), Pyrausta generosa, ragged-edged pyrausta moth (Pyrausta signatalis), sparganothis fruitworm moth (Sparganothis sulfureana), Xenotemna pallorana
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Anthophora abrupta, Black and (Bombus auricomus), Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis), Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), Two-spotted bumble (Bombus bimaculatus), Zadontomerus Ashmead Butterflies:Atalopedes Scudder, Great Spangled (Argynnis cybele), Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), Tawny-edged Skipper (Polites themistocles), Zabulon Skipper (Lon zabulon)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to prairies and open woodlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best after cold stratification; surface sow and keep moist.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Wild Seed Project (seeds)
- North Creek Nurseries (nursery)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)