Bee balm is a popular perennial herb cherished by gardeners for its unique flowers and ability to attract beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family. Native to North America, it returns reliably each spring, often forming dense, spreading colonies over time. Knowing what this plant looks like when it first emerges is helpful for early spring gardening and distinguishing it from other plants.
The First Signs of Growth
As the weather warms in early spring, established bee balm plants emerge by sending up new shoots from their underground root systems. These initial sprouts often appear in tight clusters, indicating an established colony. The first visible growth consists of developing stems pushing through the soil, not green leaf matter.
These emerging shoots display a striking color, often appearing in shades of deep burgundy, reddish-purple, or dark green with a purplish tint. This coloration is more intense on the lower stem sections near the soil line. As the stem lengthens, the characteristic square shape defining the mint family becomes apparent, even before the first true leaves unfurl. These young stems also feature a fine layer of tiny hairs along their surface.
How to Identify the Young Leaves
Once the initial shoots gain height, the first true leaves begin to expand, which is the most reliable stage for positive identification. The leaves are arranged in an opposite pattern, meaning two leaves grow directly across from each other at the same node on the stem. This opposite arrangement, combined with the square stem, acts as a primary identifier.
The young leaves are generally ovate to lance-shaped, tapering to a point at the tip, and their margins are distinctly serrated, giving the edges a finely toothed appearance. Their color is typically a medium green, sometimes retaining a slight purple or reddish tinge, especially along the veins or edges in cooler weather. The leaf surfaces often feel slightly rough or fuzzy to the touch due to minute hairs.
The most definitive characteristic is the plant’s unique scent. When a young leaf is gently crushed, it releases a strong, aromatic fragrance often described as a mix of oregano, mint, and thyme. This distinctive aroma confirms that the plant is indeed a species of Monarda.
Distinguishing Bee Balm from Common Garden Weeds
The combination of features helps distinguish young bee balm from other garden plants that emerge around the same time. The first check should always be the stem: rolling it gently between the fingers easily reveals its four distinct angles, confirming the square structure characteristic of the Lamiaceae family. Non-mint weeds that look similar, such as certain annuals or perennial creepers, will almost always have a round stem.
Another important contrast is with plants like nettle (Urtica dioica), which can have a similar leaf shape and opposite arrangement. Unlike nettle, which is covered in stinging hairs that cause irritation upon contact, bee balm is entirely non-stinging. The growth habit also offers a clue, as bee balm tends to emerge in a dense, upright, clumping formation from a central point, contrasting with weeds that may have a more sprawling or creeping growth pattern. The crushed leaf’s signature oregano-mint scent provides immediate confirmation that the plant is the desired perennial.