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Scarlet beebalm

How to identify Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma)

Scarlet beebalm, also known as Oswego tea, Scarlet monarda

Scarlet beebalm boasts distinctive physical traits that aid in its recognition. This perennial showcases rigid, square stems paired with coarse, hairy leaves positioned oppositely. Unique to scarlet beebalm are the minuscule, leafy shoots nestled at the leaf axils. Its inflorescences are notable, comprising condensed clusters enveloped by leaf-like bracts. The flowers present a two-lipped appearance with extended, slender corolla tubes, reminiscent of decorative, elongated spouts. These key features render scarlet beebalm identifiable in its natural setting.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Scarlet beebalm

1

Square stems with opposite hairy leaves.

2

Leafy shoots at leaf axils.

3

Scarlet flowers in compact heads.

4

Tubular flowers with 2-lipped lobes.

5

Dry ovoid nutlets in small clusters.

Scarlet beebalmScarlet beebalmScarlet beebalmScarlet beebalmScarlet beebalm

Detailed Traits of Scarlet beebalm

Leaf Features

The leaves of scarlet beebalm are 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long, lance-shaped to ovate, and highly fragrant. They exhibit serrated margins and distinctive reddish veins. The undersides are characterized by spreading hairs, adding to their textured feel. These key features aid in the identification of the leaves.

Leaf Shape

Lanceolate ,
Ovate

Scarlet beebalm Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cordate ,
Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,
Acute

Leaf Margin

Serrate

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Flower Features

Scarlet beebalm has striking scarlet flowers arranged in a compact, rounded head, approximately 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) wide. Each flower head is highlighted by a whorl of showy, red-tinged, leafy bracts. The zygomorphic flowers form in 1-2 whorls, featuring 13-15 veins and 5 teeth. The corolla is narrowly tubular, with 2-lipped lobes—erect and spreading. The upper lobe is longer than the lower lobe. Blooms from July to September.

Scarlet beebalm Flower image
Corolla Type

Bilabiate

Inflorescence Type

Capitulum/Head ,
Whorled inflorescence

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Stem Features

The stem of scarlet beebalm is notably square in cross-section, a distinct characteristic within its genus. Thinly covered with fine, short hairs, the stem exhibits a lightly pilose texture. Typically, the stem measures about 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) in height and displays a green color that can sometimes have a slight reddish hue. It tends to have a sturdy yet slender structure and exhibits a modest level of branching, making it an easily recognizable feature of the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of scarlet beebalm consists of small, dry ovoid nutlets, each bearing a hard, smooth surface. These nutlets typically measure about 0.08 inches (2 mm) in length. They are generally brownish in color and are borne in clusters. Appearing from September to October, these nutlets may often be overlooked due to their diminutive size but play a key role in the plant's reproductive cycle. They are not fleshy or juicy and do not have the traditional appearance of what many consider to be 'fruit'.

Fruit Type

Nutlet

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
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Scarlet beebalm and Their Similar Plants

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Wild bergamot vs. Scarlet 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.
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Lemon beebalm vs. Scarlet beebalm: What's The Difference?
Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora) is a winter annual that will grow from 30 to 61 cm tall. It has unusual tuft-like flower heads with blossoms that range in color from lavender to pink. It blooms from spring to summer attracting butterflies and bees. If watered regularly it will continue to bloom through the end of summer. It is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade. It spreads quickly.
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Spotted beebalm vs. Scarlet 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.
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Eastern Beebalm vs. Scarlet 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.
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White bergamot vs. Scarlet 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.
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Spotted beebalm vs. Scarlet 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 Scarlet beebalm

Attributes of Scarlet beebalm
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
70 cm to 1.5 m
Spread
60 cm to 90 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
6 cm
Flower Color
Red
Pink
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Scarlet beebalm

Family
Mint
Icon allow
Species
Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma)
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Distribution Map of Scarlet beebalm

Scarlet beebalm is a flowering plant that is native to damp meadows and open woodlands in the eastern US and Canada. It has been introduced to Austria and eastern Russia.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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