John Clayton
Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society’s
Wildflower Spot– August 2009
WILD BERGAMOT
Monarda fistulosa
Wild bergamot is easily
recognized with clusters of dense heads of pink to lavender
two-lipped flowers, looking like ragged pompons. Growing
in groups 2-3 feet tall, butterflies and hummingbirds feed
constantly on the tubular flowers. The square stems and
paired leaves, together with its flower characteristics, place
this plant in the mint family. A close relative Beebalm
(Monarda didyma) produces stunning true red flowers, but in
Virginia it is native only to counties in the mountain region.
Easy to grow in the home
garden, Wild bergamot thrives in a wide range of soils, from
acid to lime, from to rich to poor, from sand to clay. Found in
upland woods, thickets and prairies across much of Canada and
[from British Columbia] and south to Georgia and Arizona. It
occurs in scattered counties across Virginia, mostly in
mountainous areas. Bearing profuse flowers at the ends of
tall stems, this is a striking plant for the perennial border,
stunning in masses with black-eyed Susans and blazing star.
As a meadow plant, full sun is preferable. Wild bergamot
begins flowering in June and continues through September.
The aromatic leaves
have been used to make mint tea, and oil from the leaves was
formerly used to treat respiratory ailments.
Linnaeus named the genus Monarda in honor of a 16th century
Spanish physician and botanist, Nicolas Bautista Monardes.
The species name “fistulosa” may refer to the tubular
flowers. [“fistulose” is usually used in reference to hollow
stems.] For more information about native plants visit
www.claytonvnps.org.
Photo:
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) by Helen Hamilton
By Helen Hamilton, president of the John
Clayton Chapter, VNPS
