Monarda fistulosa

Wild bergamot

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Monarda
Species:
M. fistulosa
Binomial name
Monarda fistulosa
Varieties
  • M. fistulosa var. fistulosa
  • M. fistulosa var. longepetiolata B.Boivin
  • M. fistulosa var. maheuxii B.Boivin
  • M. fistulosa var. menthifolia (Graham) Fernald
  • M. fistulosa var. mollis (L.) L.
  • M. fistulosa var. rubra A.Gray
  • M. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterf.) ined.

Monarda fistulosa, the wild bergamot or bee balm, is a wildflower in the mint family Lamiaceae, widespread and abundant as a native plant in much of North America. This plant, with showy summer-blooming pink to lavender flowers, is often used as a honey plant, medicinal plant, and garden ornamental. The species is quite variable, and several subspecies or varieties have been recognized within it. Despite its name, it has no relation to the 'true' bergamot, a citrus fruit.