Pronounced (approximate): mo-NAR-da DID-ee-mah
Long scarlet tubular flowers cluster at the stem tips. Leafy bracts sit beneath the dense flower heads.
Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma): red flower head closeup. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Lamiaceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial
Blooms Summer
Height 2–4 feet
Habitat Moist woods, streambanks, and openings
Common names
Scarlet Beebalm · Scarlet Bee Balm · Crimson Bee-balm · Oswego Tea
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Moist woods, streambanks, and openings. Flowering season: summer.
Garden forms and hybrids occur. Use the photographed plant structure along with flower color when comparing beebalms.
Long scarlet tubular flowers cluster at the stem tips.
Opposite toothed leaves grow on square stems.
Look for herbaceous perennial growth in moist woods, streambanks, and openings. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
9 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native to southeastern Canada and the eastern United States, especially the Appalachians; also cultivated and naturalized elsewhere.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, CT, GA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Scarlet Beebalm in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.