Wild
Bergamot Monarda fistulosa L
Another
Name: Bee Balm
Description:
Wild Bergamot is a native, warm-season perennial. It reaches a height up
to 60 cm or more. It belongs to the Labiatae, or mint family.
Leaf: Lance shaped, paired leaves are velvety,
hairy, toothed and occur at right angles to the next pair on the stem.
Flower: Many flowers, which are 2-lipped and
purplish or lavender, are borne in a spherical head. These long, tube flower
clusters and the protruding stamens give the flower a raggedy appearance.
Blooming months: July-September
Stem: Square, erect, and hairy near the top.
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Discussion:
Wild Bergamot has a minty aroma which can be found
even in winter. Another common name, Bee Balm, shows its popularity with bees.
This plant was widely used as a tea by Native Americans and early settlers to
treat acne, colds, sore throats, stomach problems, chills, and countless other
ailments. Its mint quality was used for many flavorings. Leaves were sprinkled
on food to preserve it and deep away insects. It is used by modern medicine as
a derivative for an antiseptic drug.
Distribution:
This species grows in dry situations of woods and prairies. Wild Bergamot
ranges from
Native
or Introduced to
Location:
N41048.677’ W089040.972’
Copyright:
© 2004 Nancy Trainor,
References:
Keller, Carolyn. Prairie Plants of
Ladd, Doug. Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers, The Nature Conservancy, 1995.
Peterson, Roger Tory. Wildflowers Northeastern/North Central
Mohlenbroch, Robert H., and John W. Voigt. Prairie
Plants of
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