Monarda fistulosa

Common Names:

  • Wild Bergamot
  • Bee Balm

Phonetic Spelling:

moh-NAR-duh fis-too-LOH-suh

Description:

  • Appearance: A clump-forming perennial with distinctive lavender, tubular flowers that are highly aromatic.
  • Leaves: Aromatic, lance-shaped leaves.
  • Flowers: Showy, tubular lavender flowers in dense clusters.
  • Fruits: Tiny, nut-like fruits.

Distribution/Location:

Native to North America, commonly found in prairies, meadows, and along roadsides.

Environmental Benefits:

A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while its leaves improve soil health.

Fun Fact:

Wild Bergamot was used by Native Americans to treat colds and as a seasoning in teas, similar to its namesake, Bergamot orange!


Comments

5 responses to “Monarda fistulosa”

  1. Bill Brandon Avatar
    Bill Brandon

    My favorite one! Because it can be planted in the spring on bare soil and will germinate without needing to go through a winter period.

    1. Hannah Ko Avatar

      Have you been to Roger’s Gardens? U can see it there! Not common in Socal though 🙁

  2. Donkey & Goat Avatar
    Donkey & Goat

    This is the Indigenous people’s most important plant during the winter dormancy period

    1. Hannah Ko Avatar

      Yes it was!

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