Monarda punctata

Native to North America, this aromatic herb grows about 2 to 5 feet tall and often behaves as a short-lived perennial. Small whitish to yellow flowers marked with purple spots form stacked whorls surrounded by showy pink to lavender bracts. It occurs in dry disturbed areas, old fields, and upper coastal dunes. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. Its foliage contains thymol, the aromatic oil also found in thyme and oregano. It favors sunny, sandy sites and tolerates drought. Photographed in Florida.