Plains Beebalm
Monarda pectinata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Monarda pectinata is a low water forb that blooms from June through August, thriving in full sun across dry prairies and rocky plains of the central and southwestern United States.
Toxicity unknown
Plains Beebalm (Monarda pectinata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Plains beebalm is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of white or pale pink tubular flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant wildflower forms neat clumps and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
Growing Plains Beebalm
Grow Plains Beebalm in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Plains Beebalm is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- May look sparse in winter as herbaceous perennial
- Flowers might be considered too 'wildflower-like' for conservative HOAs
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar sources during hot summer months when other flowers may struggle.
Common questions
- When does Plains Beebalm bloom?
- Plains Beebalm typically flowers from June through August, producing small lavender blooms on upright stems.
- What kind of light does Plains Beebalm need?
- This forb performs best in full sun and can tolerate some part sun conditions, though flowering is usually strongest with more direct light.
- How much water does Plains Beebalm require?
- Plains Beebalm is adapted to low water conditions and does well in dry, well drained soils once established.
- What pollinators visit Plains Beebalm?
- Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to Plains Beebalm during its summer bloom period.
- Is Plains Beebalm HOA-friendly?
- Plains Beebalm is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Plains Beebalm? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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