Wild Bergamot Beebalm

Monarda fistulosa Monarda fistulosa, commonly called wild bergamot or beebalm, is a clump-forming, mint family member native to dry open woods, fields, wet meadow, ditches, and at the edges of woods and marshes throughout much of Texas and most of the U.S. east of the Rockies. Lavender, two-lipped, tubular flowers appear in dense, globular, solitary, terminal heads atop square stems. Each flower head rests upon a whorl of showy, pinkish, leafy bracts. Flowers are attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Larval host plant for Hermit Sphinx, Raspberry Pyrausta, and Orange Mint moths. Leaves are very aromatic and often used to make a mint tea with medicinal properties.  Can also be used for seasoning or eaten raw or dried. Leaves can even be used for perfume. Flowers are also edible.  Thrives in a wide range of soils, from acid to lime to rich to poor to sand to clay. Less tolerant of flooding, but can take it in the winter. Prevent mildew by providing good draining and air cir