Lemon Mint

Lemon mint (Monarda citriodora) is a native flowering winter annual in the mint family. Also know as Horsemint. It is widely known and loved, considered an old-time favorite.It is native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. When crushed, the leaves emit an odor reminiscent of lemons. It likes the heat and tolerates all soil types with growth reaching one to two feet. The seeds are economical and will give you beautiful stalks of cylindrical purple blooms with growth reaching one to two feet. Lemon Mint belongs to the mint family, easily identified by square stems.

The natural growth area for Lemon Mint is the southern half of the U.S, but it grows in many Northern regions if planted in warm locations in your yard. It is not unusual to see Lemon Mint form large colonies in the wild, and at times Lemon Mint will dominate roadside landscapes. Can be planted in the fall or in very early spring.

Most pollinators visit this aromatic wildflower at one time or another but it seems to be especially popular with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. With adequate moisture it will bloom from March until the first frost, making it a dependable nectar source for most of the year. This native would be a must have for anyone interested in attracting pollinators to their landscape.

The name Citriodora refers to the citrus scent that the plant has when the leaves are crushed. The aromatic foliage of Lemon Mint make it mostly deer resistant. It contains Citridora which is used as a natural insect repellent, and you can keep bugs away by rubbing the leaves on your skin and clothing. It contains the oil citronellol that is used commercially in some insect repellants and lotions. Native Americans used Lemon Mint leaves for edible greens, seasoning, and as an aromatic tea. It was also used to flavor rabbit and stews. It has been used as a tea to soothe sore throats and cold symptoms.

The scientific name Monarda citriodora was given to this wildflower in honor of Nicholas Monarda. He was a Spanish Physician in the 1500’s who discovered several medicinal properties of plants found in the America’s.

Lemon Mint likes heat and tolerates all soil types. Its natural range is the southern half of the U.S but would grow in many Northern regions if planted. It is not unusual to see Lemon Mint form large colonies in the wild, and at times Lemon Mint will dominate roadside landscapes.

Recommended seeding rate: 3 lbs. per acre

Common names: Horsemint, Purple horsemint, Plains Horsemint or Lemon Bee balm