Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot is a aromatic perennial that brings a soft, lavender-to-pink glow to the garden from mid to late summer, reaching 2 to 5 feet in height. In bloom this species recieves day and night non stop visitation on its pom-pom like flowers from hummingbirds, bees, and moths.This sun-loving species thrives in full sun to part shade and is remarkably drought-tolerant, adapting easily to dry to average soils.

The entire plant is edible, possessing a bold, oregano like pungency that makes the leaves perfect for tea, and the spicy florets serve as a savory-sweet garnish for salads, roasted meats, or infused honeys.. Historically, it served as a cornerstone of Indigenous medicine, with tribes like the Ho-Chunk and Cherokee utilizing its high thymol content for antiseptic poultices and respiratory steam treatments.