June 18, 2026
Plains Beebalm (Monarda pectinata Nutt. 1848)
aka Pony Beebalm
Etymology
Linnaeus named the genus Monarda to honor 16th century Spanish physician and botanist, Nicolás Bautista Monardes (1493-1588). Monardes never went to the Americas but was able to study medicinal plants in Spain, publishing the first systematic, in-depth book on medicinal plants and remedies brought to Europe from the Americas.
The species pectinata is derived from the Latin word pecten, meaning “comb.” The suffix -ata denotes possession or resemblance — so it translates loosely to “comb-like” or “having the form of a comb,” referring to the bristle-tipped bracts that sit below flower whorls.
Monarda pectinata is commonly called Plains Beebalm (or Pony Beebalm) because of its historically recorded uses by Indigenous peoples as an analgesic and antiseptic qualities.
Ethnobotanical and Culinary Uses
Indigenous peoples used a plant infusion to treat coughs, colds, fevers, and stomach complaints related to digestion. A flower infusion was used as a wash on insect bites and stings. The plant was rubbed on the head to bring relief from headache. In addition, historic records document that groups, such as the Kiowa, used Monarda pectinata leaves as a perfume due to its strong scent, and were chewed while traveling.
The strongly aromatic smell of crushed Plains Beebalm leaves smell both savory and citrusy, similar to oregano or lemon. Sometimes called “wild oregano,” they can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked to season in salads or other foods. In spring the leaves may be boiled to make herbal tea.
Pollinators
According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, all Monarda species attract a number of native pollinators such as specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.
A Few Fun Facts
Desert Survivor: Although many Monarda species are moisture-loving, such as Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) found the along cool trails of Sandia Mountain, Plains Beebalm prefers hot, harsh, dry environments like desert washes, rocky slopes, and sandy pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Mammal Resistant: While pollinators adore Plains Beebalm, its strong, minty-citrusy-oregano essential oils act as a natural deterrent, making the plant resistant to browsing deer and rabbits.
Pollinator Magnet: The tubular pale pink flowers of Plains Beebalm are an excellent nectar source for long-tongued native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, especially during the hot summer months.
Soothing Relief: Plants in the Monarda genus are commonly called “Beebalm” due to the soothing nature a wash application of the plant, especially the flowers, has on insect bites and stings — particularly bee stings. Turns out plants in the genus contain the active ingredient thymol, a natural antiseptic found in modern mouthwashes.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Hope you found this interesting!
As always, thanks for stopping by!
References
yavapaiplants.extension.arizona.edu
Yanovsky, E., Food Plants of the North American Indians U.S. Department of Agriculture, Publication no. 237.
a curious nature 
What a gorgeous, important plant for the bees and goldfinches! How fun to observe this plant growing in your yard. As always, I love learning about the medicinal properties, too! Thanks for sharing this gem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Karen … awesome comments! So far I’ve only seen very small honey bees buzzing about the flowers (they are probably the ground nesting species; the ground in the immediate vicinity is dotted with tiny holes — entrances to bee homes. Thanks for following my 100 Day Project (my recent estimate for completion is sometime in the year 2030! Hahahahaha!) have a stellar day!
Ta-ta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have ground nesting bees, too in a dry area of our yard — the crows like to dig there for a snack! Even though your long term project may take years, the journey is rewarding. Perhaps a printed field guide reference for your local ranger station or nature center!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fun to watch crows snacking on underground tidbits. I love the corvids and I love the bees …… now I’m playing mental tug-of-war!
Your comments and future suggestions about my 100 Day Project have inspired me to keep going and gave me several excellent ideas to ponder! Also caused me to wonder about my limited project scope, a reasonable geographic expansion (with an ability to complete in my lifetime! hahahah), etc. Hmmmmmm ……. Exercising outloud thinking!
Back to bees ….. do you know Amy Dolan of the Xerces Society, and are you familiar with WA Bumble Bee Atlas? Just listened to an hour-long presentation she made to Friends of Bosque del Apache, where she educated the audience on all things “Bumble Bee” and the kickoff of NM’s Bumble Bee Atlas effort (we’re in the inventory stages of the project). It was fascinating, I journaled the entire presentation, learned so much, and wondered if you’d like to watch the recording? Let me know and I’ll try to send it your way to watch at your leisure.
Thanks so much for the comments and ideas Karen! Happy Summer Solstice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Barb — I haven’t heard of Amy Dolan or the WA Bumble Bee Atlas, but Iooked both up and am interested! If you have opportunity to forward the recording. This summer, I do seem to be focusing on pollinators and learning more. We’ve also had so many butterflies in our backyard, mostly Western Tiger Swallowtail and a new-to-me one in the Apollo family! I’m noticing the bees and observing so much as well! Thanks, Barb!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just sent a link to the recording!
Your butterflies sound very cool!
Keep me posted on your research too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks – I tried the video and it worked, so I’ll watch! Thank you — it may be July before I can get to it, but I’m excited to watch. Thanks for your kindness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad the link worked, Karen! You’re very welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person