Dotted Horsemint (Monarda punctata), also known as Spotted Beebalm,
https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-monarda-punctata/ attracts many beneficial insects, including Hoverflies https://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/SyrphidFly.pdf that consume aphids, a common garden pest.
Photo credit: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/monarda-punctata/
When aphids feed on plants it stunts plant growth, produces honeydew that supports sooty mold fungi, and can vector plant viruses. During spring and summer, aphids can be abundant. One of the most serious problems caused by aphids to vegetable crops is the spread of plant viruses. We want Hoverflies!
Photo credit: https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/files/2022/04/common-oblique-syrphid-Allograpta-obliqua-Susan-Ellis-Bugwood.org-.jpg
In addition to being valued predatory insects, Hoverflies, also known as Syrphid flies, are pollinators. We host them at VISTA in our Native Plant Landscape pollinator garden north of the pavilion and in our Wildflower Garden.
See more photos of a Hoverfly and other beneficial insects benefitting from Dotted Horsemint at https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2018/08/29/dotted-horsemint-attracts-more-than-pollinators/
Remember Native plants support healthy vegetable growing!