Eastern Bee Balm - Monarda bradburiana

Also called Bradbury's Monarda

Features: This beautiful member of the mint family is related to Wild Bergamot. It has the aromatic foliage you would expect, and the powdery light purple blooms have tiny darker spots along their petals. Technically it is native to farther east of Illinois.

They attract bumblebees, hummingbird moths, and hummingbirds. Host plant for moth species including the Hermit Sphinx (similar to hummingbird moth). Deer resistant, probably due to the oregano-like taste of the foliage.

Light: Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil: Medium

Height: 2 feet

Blooms: July-September

See more information and photos at Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plants Database

 Photo credit: Missouri Botanical Garden, Illinois Wildflowers