allergic to lilac - Ask Extension
A client called asking if her husband, who is allergic to lilacs, would also be allergic to Monarda bee balm plant. They want to attract bees in their...
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allergic to lilac #867774
Asked May 09, 2024, 3:22 PM EDT
A client called asking if her husband, who is allergic to lilacs, would also be allergic to Monarda bee balm plant. They want to attract bees in their yard but aren't sure about this plant.
Clare County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi;
It depends what he is allergic to. If he is sensitive to strong scents in general, monarda has strong scents too - yet in the leaves and not the flowers. If it is very specific to the lilac, he may be okay. Ask if he reacts to other flower and plant scents besides lilac. If so, he may want to avoid monarda. Unfortunately, a lot of bee favorites have strong scents, like salvias and lavender, but cosmos, sunflowers and asters are a little better.
It depends what he is allergic to. If he is sensitive to strong scents in general, monarda has strong scents too - yet in the leaves and not the flowers. If it is very specific to the lilac, he may be okay. Ask if he reacts to other flower and plant scents besides lilac. If so, he may want to avoid monarda. Unfortunately, a lot of bee favorites have strong scents, like salvias and lavender, but cosmos, sunflowers and asters are a little better.
