Monarda fistulosa; Monarda didyma;
Record ID:24Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Monarda fistulosa; Monarda didyma; |
| Common Names: | Bergamot, Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, Wild Bergamot |
| Key Name: | Bergamot |
| Parts Used: | Leaves, flowers, stems |
| Sister Plants: | Monarda punctata, Monarda citriodora, Origanum vulgare |
| Comments: | Perennial herbs valued for aromatic leaves and flowers; attract pollinators; thrive in sunny, well-drained soils |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial herbs (2-4 ft), square stems, aromatic leaves, tubular flowers in dense heads; M. fistulosa: lavender; M. didyma: red to purple |
| Stem: | Square, erect, branched, green to reddish, 60-120 cm |
| Leaves: | Oval to lance-shaped, 2-6 inches, serrated, aromatic |
| Flowers: | Tubular flowers in dense heads, 1-2 inches, M. fistulosa lavender (June-August), M. didyma red to purple (July-September)', 'Small nutlets, 1-2 mm', |
| Fruit: | Small nutlets, 1-2 mm |
| Taste: | Minty, slightly bitter (leaves), floral (flowers) |
| Odour: | Strong, minty-citrus scent' |
| Root: | Fibrous, shallow root system |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.Y934UXAXPRiaff0j9mOcIgHaIC%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=23c4e7f3c3a8b1d4ca1cb3415883c705d523d1bac95760f3ff566fee4d0cd767&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to North America; M. fistulosa: central and eastern U.S., Canada; M. didyma: eastern U.S. |
| Cultivation: | Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil; propagate by seed, division, or cuttings in spring; space 18-24 inches apart |
| Harvest: | Leaves and flowers: Summer (June-September) |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Carminative, diaphoretic, antiseptic, stimulant |
| Medical Uses: | Leaves and flowers for colds, digestive issues, sore throats; M. didyma as Oswego tea |
| Constituents: | Thymol, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), oil |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion, tincture; External: Poultice |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause allergic reactions; avoid high doses; consult healthcare provider' |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min' |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for respiratory support in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | Used homeopathically for colds |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | Yes |
| Pollinator: | honeybees, native bees, butterflies, summer pollinators |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | No |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts honeybees, native bees, butterflies, summer pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, fragrance, insect repellent |
| Culinary Uses: | Leaves and flowers in teas, salads, flavoring |
| History: | Used by Native Americans as tea and medicine; named for bergamot orange scent |
| Reference: | 1, 'herbalist1', 'Herbal Community', |
| URL: | https://usbm.ca/ency |
| Share: | Public |