Bee balm is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The native habitat is moist, open woods; meadows; stream banks; mountains to 6500 feet.

This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun but will tolerate some shade. Bee balm can reach a height of 4 feet and will spread rapidly by underground stolons. Blossoms attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, and the leaves have a minty aroma when crushed.

Bee balm provides color and contrast for the perennial border, cottage garden, specimen planting, native and pollinator garden, meadow, naturalized planting, and along ponds or streams. It is used in herbal medicine, and its flowers are edible.

Host plant for 13 species of butterflies and moths, including the Orange Mint and the Hermit Sphinx Moths.