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Bee balm

Bee balm is a common name for flowering plants in the genus *Monarda* in the mint family, native to North America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bee balm is a common name for flowering plants in the genus *Monarda* in the mint family, native to North America. These herbaceous perennials are grown for their showy flowers, aromatic foliage, and value to pollinators. The leaves and flowers are sometimes used in teas and cooking, and the plant is relevant to Canadian gardeners as it is commonly planted in pollinator gardens across temperate regions of Canada.

Overview

Bee balm is a North American genus of aromatic flowering plants in the mint family. It is best known as a garden perennial with showy blooms and fragrant foliage.

Description and cultivation

Plants in the genus typically form upright clumps and can reach several feet tall. They are commonly grown in gardens for their summer flowers and pollinator value.

Ecological value

Bee balm is widely planted as a pollinator resource because its tubular flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.

Edible and traditional uses

Leaves and flowers may be used to make tea or as a culinary herb, and the plant has a history of traditional medicinal use. The taste is often described as minty and citrusy.

Key facts

  • Bee balm is the common name for *Monarda*, a genus of flowering plants in the mint family.
  • It is native to North America and includes multiple recognized species.
  • Bee balm is generally a perennial plant with clump-forming, upright growth.
  • Its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
  • The leaves and flowers are edible and are commonly used for tea or as a flavoring herb.
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Canadian context

Bee balm is relevant to Canadian gardeners because it is native to North America and is commonly planted in pollinator gardens across temperate regions, including much of Canada.[1][3]

Frequently asked questions

What is bee balm?
Bee balm is a common name for *Monarda*, a genus of aromatic flowering plants in the mint family, grown for ornamental flowers and pollinator support.
Is bee balm a perennial?
Yes. Bee balm is generally a herbaceous perennial, meaning it returns for multiple growing seasons.
How to grow bee balm?
Grow it in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil, and give it space to spread because it forms clumps and can expand by rhizomes and seed. It is commonly grown as a garden perennial.
Does bee balm attract bees?
Yes. Bee balm is widely described as a pollinator plant that attracts bees, along with butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other insects.
What are the benefits of bee balm?
Its main benefits are ornamental value, nectar for pollinators, aromatic foliage, and use in teas or as a culinary herb. Some sources also mention traditional medicinal uses.
Is bee balm edible?
Yes. Sources report that the leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in tea, salads, garnishes, and other preparations.

References

  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst — https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/publications-resources/plant-identification/bee-balm
    Supports: Bee balm identification, perennial life cycle, plant form, pollinator attraction, and tea use.
  2. North Carolina State University — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/monarda/
    Supports: *Monarda* genus, mint family placement, North American native range, perennial habit, and tea use.
  3. Plant Native — https://plantnative.org/native-plants/bee-balm-monarda-didyma.htm
    Supports: Edible leaves and flowers, tea use, pollinator value, and traditional uses.
  4. Clemson University — https://hgic.clemson.edu/native-plant-spotlight-bee-balm/
    Supports: Fragrant leaves, culinary and tea uses, and pollinator attraction.
  5. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service — https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_modi.pdf
    Supports: Medicinal uses, dried leaves and flower heads for tea, fresh leaves for flavoring, and edible parts.
  6. Gardenia.net — https://gardenia.net/plant/monarda-didyma
    Supports: Perennial habit, size, fragrant foliage, and edible flowers and leaves.
  7. Penn State Arboretum — https://arboretum.psu.edu/about/news/all-abuzz-for-bee-balm/
    Supports: Bee balm as a perennial pollinator resource, origin of the common name, edible parts, and Oswego tea.