Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Diné bikéyah Chi’l nooséłígíí Bąąhą́ą́nosin
Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Horsemint
Kétłoh
(a.k.a. Bee balm, Mountain mint, Oregano de la Sierra)

Pink flowers on tall brown stems with green grassy background
Patrick Alexander

Horsemint, in the mint family, has square stems and attractive flowers. Several species in the Monarda genus can be found regionally.

Monarda punctata has been used as part of a mixture to treat colds, ground into a powder and snuffed up the nostrils to relieve a headache, or as an infusion to treat fevers. It may be hung up in dwellings for its pleasing odor. Birds, including hummingbirds, are attracted to the nectar.

dark purple flowers on tall stems with green grassy background
Clarence A. Rechenthin @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database, Courtesy of USDA NRCS Texas State Office
Grassy scene with white flowering forbs, cholla, and juniper trees in the background
Patrick Alexander
Scientific Name
Monarda spp.
Plant Type
Forb
Growing Season
Warm Season
Habitat
River valleys
Flower Color
Blue / Purple
✓
Provides good insect forage
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Hummingbirds like it
For definitions, see the glossary.

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