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Bee Balm
Zoe Ann Hinds
Bee Balm is also known by the species name Mindarda didyma. The plant serves both edible and medicinal purposes. It can also be used effectively to attract hummingbirds. With the name bee balm, one could easily assume that this plant would more effectively draw bees rather then hummingbirds, but this is not the case because the bees have great difficulty getting to the nectar.
Native Americans have used Bee Balm as a form of medicine for a long time. They have believed for a long time that bee balm could be used to cure minor skin infections and to help heal minor wounds. The plant also possesses strong antiseptic qualities. The plant can also be used and brewed into a tea that can be used to treat throat infections and dental conditions such as gingivitis and other dental conditions. Bee Balm is a natural source of Thymol, which is the main ingredient in modern mouthwash.
Bee Balm is a perennial herb native to Eastern North America. It grows in dry thickets, clearings and woodland edges from Ontario and British Columbia to Georgia and Mexico. Bee Balm has showy, red, pink, or lilac flowers in large heads or whorls of about 20-50 flowers at the top of the branching stem, supported by leafy bracts, the leaflets are a pale-green color. The stem of Bee Balm is square, grooved and hard; and about 3 feet high. The leaves occur in opposite pairs, are rough on both surfaces, are distinctly toothed, and lance-shaped. Fine dense hairs cover much of the stem and leaves. Bee Balm roots are short, slender, creeping rhizomes. This plant does not do well in extreme elevations, but it will survive in elevations up to about 5,000 feet.
There are many uses of Bee Balm. It is edible when used as a pot herb, and it is also used as a flavoring in cooked foods. The flowers make an attractive edible garnish in salads. The plant is noted for its fragrance, and is a source of oil of thyme. Bee Balm is said to have a flavor very similar to Oregano. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing aromatic and medicinal tea. An infusion of young Bee Balm leaves used to form a common beverage in many parts of the United States. This plant has also been known to be planted with tomatoes and has had positive effects on the flavor. Yes, humans have been known to consume this plant, but it is the hummingbird that is the biggest fan of this plant.
Various reports and studies indicate that this plant is among the favorite, if not the favorite, plant of hummingbirds to eat. So if you are looking to attract hummingbirds through the use of plants rather then using a hummingbird feeder, this is the plant for you that will have the hummingbirds swarming to your yard.
This plant is one that is strong and does well with other plants. This plant does well in difficult climates and can be found throughout most of the United States. This plant can add a source of color to your vegetable garden when you mix it in with tomatoes or other plants typically found in a vegetable garden.
If you wish to grow Bee Balm, here are some tips that will help ensure your success with this plant. It is easily grown in ordinary garden soil and it also grows well in heavy clay soils. It should be planted somewhere that has part shade to sunny place to grow. This species thrives when grown in a dry soil and prefers alkaline soil conditions. Bee Balm is best started from plants which spread like crazy, but will grow from seed as well. Unfortunately, it often gets spotted with a mold like affliction.
This plant is a unique way to attract hummingbirds to your yard and it is also an herb that offers many health benefits. Why not give it a try? You and the hummingbirds will be glad you did.
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