Hi! I was at a camp in east Texas with my daughter and saw this neat plant. I posted it... somewhere... but I can't find the thread anymore. I'm pretty sure it's a monarda, but can you tell me which one? I'm playing with my photos and posting the (few) interesting ones I have in the database.

A couple more pics... Such a neat plant!!

I think it is Monarda punctata

I think you have your ID now, but if you want to find the thread you posted in, there's a box on the side of the TX Gardening page that lets you search for a particular word. I typed in monarda and didn't find your name, but others in TX Gard. You can extend your search to other forums too. And you can search your own posts on your profile page under Actions.

Thanks, Sandi. I don't remember which website I was even in. LOL

Okay, I now think you may be suffering from serious plant forums overload! Not sure I can help you any further. The good news is I loved that monarda photo. I received quite a few different ones at a swap in Louisiana. After the first blooming of them, they all croaked (just melted away). I think it is too hot and dry for them here. I will just enjoy the photos of those who can successfully grow them.

Marylyn, Monarda punctuta, Spotted Beebalm really fits.
http://wildflower.org/plants/r...
Josephine.

Bubbles said:Okay, I now think you may be suffering from serious plant forums overload!

I think you may be right!!

Thank you, Josephine and Jay!

Josephine, your link points to
"Monarda punctata L.
Spotted beebalm, Spotted horsemint, Horsemint
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Synonyms: Monarda punctata ssp. Villicaulis"

There is an entry for "Monarda punctata" and an entry for "Monarda punctata ssp. Villicaulis" in the database. Should I put my photos in both, or just one, do you think? Should I be asking this in the plant database forum instead of in here?

They list Monarda punctata ssp. Villicaulis as a synonym for M. punctata and should not be listed in the database. USDA list a Monarda punctata ssp. punctata var. villicaulis but it is not even shown to exist in Texas.

I just did a little more reading on it and USDA list 2 subspecies of M. punctata.
Monarda punctata ssp. immaculata and Monarda punctata ssp. punctata.
Monarda punctata ssp. punctata is further divided into 8 different vars. It would be best to just list it under Monarda punctata and not worry about ssp. or vars.

Oh, good. Thank you, Jay!!

I agree with Jay, keep it simple.

I do that also!

For a few years after we moved to the ranch, we had wall to wall Monarda punctata. It was so thick that it kept grass from growing underneath. Walking or driving through it released a wonderful aroma into the air. I know the odor is described as somewhat like oregano or thyme, but to me in those large quantities, there was an under tone of lemon.

Sounds heavenly, BettyDee!

That sounds wonderful!!!

A list of what is and what isn't accepted on Itis, search for Monarda punctata selecting scientific name.

http://www.itis.gov/servlet/Si...

I also think you would need to keep it to the simple species unless you can show it is a variety.

Monarda punctata var. villicaulis is accepted, Monarda punctata ssp. punctata var. villicaulis is a synonym.

I grew the spotted bee balm for the first time this year and found it to be a wonderful garden addition .