Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a clump-forming, erect-growing, native herbaceous perennial wildflower that typically grows to a height of 4 ft. When viewed in cross-section, stems of Monarda fistulosa are square. The toothed leaves of Wild Bergamot are in opposite positions on the stem and, when crushed, are aromatic. Monarda fistulosa blooms with lavender flowers in the summer, typically July. Wild Bergamot provides food for hummingbirds and many butterflies, including monarchs and swallowtails. Honeybees and various native foraging and specialist bees are also attracted to Monarda fistulosa. The rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) is one of the bumblebee species observed to forage on Wild Bergamot. Our local beekeepers have found Monarda fistulosa to provide an excellent supply of nectar, and that the honey produced from this nectar has minty floral overtones. Natural populations of Monarda fistulosa occur in states ranging from Montana to New Mexico to Georgia and Maine. Wild Bergamot may be found growing on prairies, open woods, and thickets. Monarda fistulosa tolerates full sun to partial shade on mesic to dry soils. The presence of Wild Bergamot in the landscape reduces soil erosion. The rosettes cushion the soil from the force of rain droplet impact. Waterflow down a slope is disrupted and slowed by colonies of Monarda fistulosa. With its strong nectar supply being produced at a crucial time of year, Wild Bergamot makes a seed mix more pollinator-friendly. We use Monarda fistulosa in butterfly and hummingbird, upland, riparian, rain garden, steep slope, and honeybee pasture mixes. Along with Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Wild Bergamot is one of the easiest seedlings to recognize in an upland meadow. The presence of Monarda fistulosa seedlings indicates that the small seeds in your mix were not planted too deep and that there is nothing precluding germination of broadleaf species on the site. Novices can easily recognize Wild Bergamot seedlings using a photograph. Typically, Wild Bergamot seedlings are recognizable three to six weeks after your frost-free date. Wild Bergamot is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. The genus name honors Sevillle botanist, Nicholas Monardes. The species name fistulosa means "hollow like a pipe."
