Wild Bergamot

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