Monarda didyma (Native)

Habitat: creek banks, floodplains, moist woods. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun but will tolerate some shade. Tolerates occasional wet conditions. Bee balm will spread rapidly by underground stolons. 

Wildlife value: Attracts bumblebees, swallowtail butterflies, and Ruby-throated hummingbirds. It is a larval host to the hermit sphinx, orange mint moth, and the raspberry pyrausta and specialized bees

Notes: Infrequent in the VA mountains and rare (maybe introduced) in the VA Piedmont. In NoVA, it is found in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties. Leaves have a minty aroma when crushed. 

Edibility: Used in teas, flavor jellies, soups, stews, and fruit salads; edible flowers.