Herb. No. 166 · Lamiaceae
Wild bergamot of eastern and central North American prairies and edges.
Native · North America
Native Also grown
LegalGentleplant
Bee balm
Monarda fistulosa
Medicinal herbsKitchenHarvestCompanions
Wild bergamot — a ragged native mint whose leaf is an Earl Grey rumor and a traditional cold tea of the Northeast.
Monarda fistulosa is the lavender wild bergamot of North American prairies and edges. The Oswego, the settlers, and many Native nations used the leaf as a tea. Culinary amounts are a thyme-oregano mint. Bergamot orange (Citrus) is a different plant that flavored Earl Grey; this one only rhymes.
Flavor
Oregano, thyme, citrus-mint. A wilder cousin of the kitchen mints.
Parts used
Leaf · Flowering tops
Helpful
- Native, beautiful, a true tea
Cautions
- Mildew in still, wet air
- Not citrus bergamot