Bergamot, 'Sweet Leaf' (Monarda fistulosa)

Aromatic Herb with Medicinal and Culinary Value Common Names: Sweet Leaf Bergamot, Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm, Horsemint, Oswego TeaFamily: LamiaceaeOrigin: North America Bergamot 'Sweet Leaf' (Monarda fistulosa), also known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is a fragrant, perennial herb native to North America. This hardy plant is celebrated for its aromatic leaves and striking lavender-pink flowers that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 'Sweet Leaf' is a versatile herb used for its medicinal, culinary, and ornamental value. The leaves have a sweet, citrusy flavor and are commonly used in herbal teas, while the essential oils in the plant provide soothing and antiseptic properties. Its showy flowers and long blooming period make it a popular choice in herb gardens, pollinator gardens, and ornamental borders. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Foliage: 'Sweet Leaf' Bergamot has aromatic, lance-shaped green leaves with a strong, sweet fragrance remini