Monarda punctata

Horse mint ( Monarda punctata)

Called The horse mint ( Monarda punctata), also called " Dotted Monarda " or " Dotted bergamot ", is a native of North America species of the genus Monarda in the subfamily Nepetoideae within the mint family ( Lamiaceae).

Description

The horses mint is about 30 to 60 cm (rarely to 90 cm) tall. It is a fast-growing perennial shrub. The opposite leaves are lanceolate and entire or very finely serrated. The leaves are about 7 cm long and smell aromatic.

Bloom time is from July to September, partly to October. The flowers develop in a terminal panicle; they smell and are white to pink.

Distribution and location

The horses Mint is native to eastern North America; their range extends approximately over the eastern half of the United States and reaches into southwest to Mexico.

The plant prefers full sun locations on permeable to sandy soils.

Use

The horses Mint is a popular ornamental plant for gardens. The leaves are used to prepare tea.