// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Lemon beebalm

Monarda citriodora ssp. citriodora

Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora ssp. citriodora) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 1"–30". Blooms May–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 18 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, IL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 1"–30"
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora ssp. citriodora) — *Monarda citriodora ssp. citriodora* — Lemon beebalm. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora ssp. citriodora) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 1"–30". Blooms May–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, lemon beebalm pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora), Swamp verbena (Verbena hastata), Annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. artemisiifolia).