Bee-balm

Monarda fistulosa

Alternate names
Wild Bergamot, Lemon Balm, Common Balm

Weed Description
A perennial with attractive pink to purplish flowers that may reach 4 feet in height. Bee-balm or wild bergamot is most often viewed as a wildflower and actually sold as an ornamental. However, this plant can occur as a weed in some pasture and rangeland environments. Bee-balm or wild bergamot is found throughout the United States except in Florida and along the West coast.

Leaves
Leaves are generally lanceolate in outline with slighted toothed (serrated) leaf margins. Leaves may range from 1 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches in length.

Stems
May reach as much as 4 feet in height. Stems are often angled and contain hairs.

Flowers
Usually pink to purplish in color with distinctive bracts beneath.

Fruit
An oblong mericarp.

Identifying Characteristics
Perennial herbs with distinctive pink to purplish flowers (and aroma) and angled, pubescent stems.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Bee-balm

Monarda fistulosa

Trouble identifying a weed?