Monarda pectinata
| Monarda pectinata | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 3' |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Monarda pectinata (common name: plains lemon monarda)
Propagation: Seed - sow mid to late spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 10 - 40 days at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer.
The seed can also be sown in situ in late summer in areas where the winters are not too severe and will produce larger plants.
Cuttings of soft basal shoots in spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring or autumn. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Cultivation: Easily grown in ordinary garden soil so long as it is not too dry[1][2], though it prefers a sandy rather acidic soil in full sun[2].
There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, some reports say that it is no more than a synonym for M. citriodora[3]. There is also some doubt over whether it is an annual or a perennial.
A good bee plant[2]. Subject to mildew in dry summers[2].
Range: N. America - Nebraska, Colorado and south to Texas.
Habitat: Dry soils[4].
Edibility: Leaves - cooked. A strong aromatic flavour, they are used as a flavouring in cooked foods and salads[5][6].
Medicinal: The plant is analgesic, antiseptic and stomachic[7]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, fevers and stomach complaints[7]. The plant has been rubbed on the head to bring relief from headache[7]. An infusion of the flowers has been used as a wash on insect bites and stings[7].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Links
References
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Lyndon, Merritt. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co, 1950.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Yanovsky, Elias. Food Plants of the North American Indians Publication 237. US Department of Agriculture.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.