How to identify Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora)

How to identify Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora)

Lemon beebalm, also known as Lemon mint, Lemon bergamot

Lemon beebalm stands out with its showy heads of tubular flowers, combining shades of pink, lavender, or white, crowned with a whorl of leafy bracts. Its erect stems reach up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and are interspersed with narrow oblong leaves that have serrated margins. A distinctive fragrance reminiscent of citrus emanates from the foliage when crushed. This species thrives under full sun and blooms profusely in the late spring to summer period.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Lemon beebalm

Tubular flowers in shades of pink, lavender, or white with leafy bract whorls.

Erect stems 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall with narrow oblong leaves and citrus fragrance.

Tubular 2-lipped flowers in clusters, 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) long, with purple to green bracts.

Dry schizocarp fruit splitting into four nutlets, small (1.5-3 mm), brown to tan.

Lanceolate leaves measuring 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) with toothed margins, angled base.

Detailed Traits of Lemon beebalm

Leaf Features

The leaves of lemon beebalm are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, measuring approximately 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) in length. They have an angled or tapered base and end in a sharply pointed, often bristle-tipped tip. The margins are finely toothed. The upper surface has sparse short hairs, and the underside is sparsely to moderately hairy, with conspicuous impressed glands on both surfaces. Upper leaves are larger and may appear whorled at the top of the stem.

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Flower Features

The flowers of lemon beebalm are tubular and 2-lipped, ranging in color from lavender to pink to white. They are arranged in 2-6 interrupted clusters around the upper stem, each flower measuring about 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in length. Leafy bracts beneath each whorl are purple to greenish in hue. These blooms typically appear from spring to mid-summer, making them visually prominent during this period.

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Stem Features

The stem of lemon beebalm is stout, predominantly green, and distinctly square in cross-section. It is covered with short, fine hairs, giving it a slightly rough texture. The thickness varies but generally measures around 0.2-0.5 inches (5-12 mm) in diameter. These stems are rigid and support a branching pattern that tends to be opposite. The square shape and hair coverage are key features for identifying the stem of lemon beebalm.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of lemon beebalm consists of dry schizocarps that gracefully divide into usually four nutlets. Each nutlet is a small, hard fruit that may vary slightly in size and shape but generally remains consistent within the species. As they mature, they exhibit a brown or tan color, with a smooth to slightly textured surface. Their size is typically small, often around 1/16 to 1/8 inch (1.5 to 3 mm) in length, resembling tiny seeds. These nutlets often persist on the plant after the flowering season, providing a characteristic appearance that aids in identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Lemon beebalm and Their Similar Plants

Scarlet beebalm vs. Lemon beebalm: What's The Difference?

This perennial forms a cluster of bright-red flowers atop a 91 cm long stem, which are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. The leaves are aromatic, with a minty smell, and can also be brewed into tea, as the Oswego people taught the early European colonists in the New York area.

Wild bergamot vs. Lemon beebalm: What's The Difference?

Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower related to mint. It is also known as bee balm and indeed attracts a great many bees (hummingbirds like it as well). Wild bergamot is sometimes used to make strong-flavored tea. One variant is cultivated specifically for its lemony-scented essential oil.

Spotted beebalm vs. Lemon beebalm: What's The Difference?

Spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) is a perennial shrub that will grow to 61 cm tall. It spreads by runners but is not aggressive or invasive. It produces pagoda-like flowers in showy clusters of creamy, purple-spotted tubular blossoms. It blooms early to mid-summer attracting butterflies and bees.

Eastern Beebalm vs. Lemon beebalm: What's The Difference?

Eastern Beebalm (Monarda bradburiana) is a perennial that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Bell-shaped, pinkish-lavender flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. Prefers full sun to partial shade with dry to medium-moist, well-drained soil. Encourage new blooms by deadheading faded flowers. It is resistant to powdery mildew.

White bergamot vs. Lemon beebalm: What's The Difference?

This perennial flowering plant is often used in landscaping because of its pleasant fragrance and attractive appearance. Its native habitats are lightly shaded mountain hillsides, woodland edges, meadows, and fields. White bergamot attracts butterflies, bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds.

Spotted beebalm vs. Lemon beebalm: What's The Difference?

Spotted beebalm is distinguished by clusters of vibrant, tubular flowers topping its square stems, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Adapting to sun-soaked fields, spotted beebalm's aromatic leaves thrives in well-drained soil, emitting a fragrance when crushed, which also deters pests. The plant’s resilient nature allows it to endure a range of conditions, from droughts to poor soil.

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Key Facts About Lemon beebalm

Attributes of Lemon beebalm

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Size

1.3 cm to 1.9 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

White

Lavender

Fruit Color

Brown

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Lemon beebalm

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Bergamot

Species

Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora)

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Distribution Map of Lemon beebalm

Lemon beebalm is originally native to North America, with its natural range extending to parts of the continent traditionally known for a temperate climate. The species has been introduced and is now cultivated in various temperate regions around the world, indicating a wider distribution due to horticultural adoption.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Lemon beebalm

A Comprehensive Guide to Lemon beebalm How to Grow and Care for Lemon beebalm