Horse-mint
Monarda punctata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Horse-mint is a drought-tolerant native wildflower with distinctive tiered clusters of small tubular flowers surrounded by showy white or pale green bracts. The aromatic foliage and long summer bloom period make it valuable for pollinator gardens. Plants may self-seed in ideal conditions but are not typically aggressive spreaders.
In an HOA neighborhood
Horse-mint takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Wildflower appearance may be considered too informal
- Can look sparse or weedy when not in bloom
- Self-seeding nature may concern maintenance-focused HOAs
Wildlife value
Excellent nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the summer blooming period. The seeds also provide food for birds in fall.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Horse-mint fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.