Spotted Bee Balm, or Horsemint, is a unique native wildflower in the mint family. Unlike other bee balms, its flowers are arranged in tiered clusters, with pale yellow petals speckled with purple spots, surrounded by showy, pinkish to lavender bracts. This aromatic plant is highly attractive to pollinators, thrives in dry conditions, and adds a striking vertical presence to gardens and landscapes. 
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Growth Habits & Characteristics:
•Height: 1–3 feet
•Spread: 1–2 feet
•Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Preferences: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils; tolerates poor soil conditions
•Lifespan: Short-lived perennial or biennial
•Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July–September)
•Water Needs: Low; drought-tolerant once established
•Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming with square stems and aromatic leaves
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Host Insect:
Serves as a host plant for the raspberry Pyrausta moth, gray marvel moth, and several other species of Lepidoptera. 
Pollinator Importance:
•Highly attractive to native bees, including bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and sweat bees.
•Provides nectar for butterflies & moths, occasionally visited by hummingbirds.
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Companion Plants:
•Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Provides additional nectar for pollinators.
•Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – A native grass that complements its growth habit.
•Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) – Supports monarch butterflies and shares a preference for dry soils.
•Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) – Attracts butterflies and extends the blooming season.
•Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) – Adds bright yellow contrast to Spotted Bee Balm’s unique flowers.
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Ecological Importance:
•Pollinator Magnet: Provides nectar for a wide range of bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps.
•Pest Control Support: Attracts predatory wasps that help control insect pests in gardens.
•Drought Tolerance: Thrives in dry, sandy soils, making it ideal for xeriscaping and prairie restorations.
•Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and food for insects and small pollinators.
•Medicinal & Aromatic Uses: Historically used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal teas and as a natural insect repellent.