Lemon Beebalm   Monarda citriodora  var.  citriodora
Mint family — Lamiaceae

Also known as:
Lemon Mint, Horsemint, Lemon Horsemint, Plains Horsemint, Purple Horsemint

Slides: (click for larger view)

There are about a dozen species of horsemint (also called beebalm) in Texas, most parts of the state having at least two common species (except for the low deserts of the Trans-Pecos). One of those common species is almost invariably this one, which is a rather weedy species found almost statewide. Members of the mint family, horsemints all have strongly aromatic foliage, the fragrances varying between the species. The lemon beebalm, as the name suggests, has a strong lemony fragrance. It contains the chemical compound citronellol, used in "natural" insect repellants.

Dried Specimens: (click for larger view)

Flowering Months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

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