This species of beebalm is native to the eastern United States, east of the Missouri River, but not to Nebraska. So it was obviously planted and has persisted off the Fontenelle Forest upland boardwalk, behind the raptor cages. The leaves and bright red flowers are very similar to our Wild beebalm (Monards fistulosa), except for the color of the flowers (A,B). That species grows abundantly in our prairies.
Several plants of this beebalm species have been found only in one location off the trails in Fontenelle Forest, where it obviously was planted years ago. They may be seen from the boardwalk when their bright red colored flowers appear in late spring and early summer .
Other common names for this species are Scarlet or Crimson bergamot.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.