Etymology: Monarda: after Nicholas Monardes (1493-1588), a Spanish physician and botanist
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-4' tall forb, strongly aromatic; stems often branched, usually hairy toward the top
Leaves: opposite, lance-like with a rounded base and pointed tips, long-stalked, grayish
Flowers: pale purple to pink, 5-parted, 3/4"-1 1/3" long, stamens longer than the petals; inflorescence a single, rounded, dense cluster 1 1/3" wide (excluding the petals) at the end of the stems; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: round, 1-seeded nutlet
Habitat: full to partial sun; dry, moderate moisture to wet; woods, prairies, fields; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 3, Wetland Indicator = FACU Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"