Monarda fistulosa

Monarda fistulosa is a native plant found throughout the southeast, although largely absent from the southernmost states. It grows best in full sun to part shade, on soils that are moist to dry. It can get up to four feet in a growing season, and dies back almost completely in the winter. Leaving dormant stems up until spring provides necessary over-wintering habitat for pollinators. This plant is a member of the mint family, and has purplish square stems and fragrant leaves. It is fairly resistant to deer. Clusters of showy purple flowers bloom in the summer and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, specialized bees, and other pollinators. This plant spreads through rhizomes and can form colonies. Monarda fistulosa is an excellent specimen plant in a yard, rain garden, green roof, or stormwater planting.