Wild Bergamot

(Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to prairie and savanna ecosystems, as well as dry open woodlands and forest clearings across the mountain, central, and eastern states of the USA, extending into parts of Canada and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 5 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. Wild Bergamot features aromatic foliage and showy, summer-blooming pink to lavender flowers arranged in dense, rounded clusters atop square stems, attracting a host of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The plant is valued for its ornamental and ecological contributions, offering both visual appeal and support for wildlife in garden settings. It is commonly used in native plant gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and as a border plant. Wild Bergamot is relatively easy to maintain, thriving in full sun to part shade, and prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate medium or slow drainage. It is drought-tolerant once established and can be used in xeriscaping. The plant can spread by rhizomes, making it suitable for use as a naturalizing element in appropriate areas. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions or when airflow is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Prairie and savanna ecosystems, dry open woodlands, and forest clearings

Other Names

Common Names: Oswego-Tea , Purple Beebalm , Wild Horsemint , Beebalm , Horse-Mint , Wild Bergamot Beebalm , Späte Indianernessel , Monarde Fistuleuse , Lila Temynta

Scientific Names: Monarda fistulosa , Monarda fistulosa f. fistulosa , Monarda fistulosa var. longepetiolata , Monarda caerulea , Monarda fistulosa var. typica , Monarda mollis

GBIF Accepted Name: Monarda fistulosa L.