Also known as "Horsemint," this native annual grows from Missouri to Kansas to Mexico. Aromatic foliage makes it deer-resistant. Citridora is used as a natural insect repellent, and when it is plentiful, you can grab a handful of leaves and rub them on your skin to keep the bugs away. Native Americans incorporated the use of Lemon Mint leaves for edible greens, seasoning, and as an aromatic tea. Allow it to reseed itself before mowing.
Lemon Mint, otherwise known as Horsemint, Purple horsemint, Plains Horsemint or Lemon Bee balm is an easy recognizable old-time favorite. The scientific name of Monarda Citriodora, was given to this wildflower in honor of Nicholas Monarda a Spanish Physician in the 1500’s who discovered several medicinal properties of plants found in the America’s. The name Citriodora refers to the citrus like scent that the plant has when the leaves are crushed. This scent makes it deer resistant and if you rub the leaves on your skin it makes a fair insect repellant also. It contains the oil citronellol that is used commercially in some insect repellants and lotions. Native Americans, such as the Hopis, Pueblo and Tewa, used the leaves in flavoring rabbit and stews and brewed the leaves for a tea to soothe sore throats and cold symptoms.
Blooms from May through July. Reaches a height of 1-3ft tall. Texas Native.
