Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Tuesday - June 19, 2007
From: ABILENE, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Edible Plants
Title: Medicinal qualities of Monarda clinopodioides
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Monarda clinopodioides Gray basil beebalm Could you tell me if the above-mentioned plant is edible or has any medicinal use?ANSWER:
Monarda clinopodioides (basil beebalm) is a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family. While Native American cultures developed medicinal uses for many plants, I could find no direct reference to such uses for this particular cultivar. Since it is a mint, it doesn't seem likely that ingesting it would do any harm, and I found no references in that direction, either. Probably it should just be valued for its appearance, a native Texas plant blooming May to July, and the benefits of being a nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds. For further information, visit this site on the Lady Bird Johnson Native Plants website.
From the Image Gallery
More Edible Plants Questions
Is horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis) edible?
April 09, 2008 - Hello,
I find horse-herb everywhere. Is it edible, too?
Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Are berries of American Beautyberry poisonous?
September 21, 2008 - I have an American Beautyberry Plant and I need to know if the purple berries are toxic - we have dogs and I wouldn't want them to eat them. Thanks for any information you may have on this plant.
view the full question and answer
Plants for shade, poor soil in Park Ridge NJ
June 17, 2010 - Hello! I live in far northeast New Jersey, by the New York state border. I am looking for plants for areas of my lawn that nothing currently grows in - due to shade and poor soil quality - very rocky,...
view the full question and answer
Blueberries & Raspberries for Walla Walla WA
October 17, 2011 - Which blueberry and raspbery plants grow best and suvive winter in Walla Walla Washington
view the full question and answer
Looking for fruit and nut trees to plant in San Augustine, TX
April 05, 2011 - I am setting up residence in San Augustine, Texas on approximately 9 acres of land. We wanted to plant a few of each type of fruit and nut trees that would prosper in the area (for wildlife and for o...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |