Wild Bergamot
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3: 132.
Names: Wild Bergamot (English); Monarde Fistuleuse (French); Monarda fistulosa (Latin)
Other Common Names: Bachelor, Horse Mint, Purple Bee Balm
Characteristics: This wildflower has a large vivid pink purple bloom, with showy nectar that attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. This plant grows in clumps, this can create beautiful landscapes but may take over a small garden and need to be divided after a few years.
Habitat and Origin: Prairies, Foothills, Montane
Optimal Growing Conditions: Sunny to part-shade, moist to dry soil. Can be exposed to all conditions.
Edible Portions: None
Aboriginal Peoples Uses: A tea made of the leaves is good for coughs and kidney infections. A weak tea of leaves can be used as eyewash for sore and red eyes. Leaves used in tea with willow to help heal an infected womb. It was believed a tea would stop a woman from getting pregnant.