Bee Balm

Other names

Oswego Tea, Bergamot

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Perennial

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Ohio to NJ, South Along Mountains to Georgia and TN; Escaped Elsewhere

Cultivation

Moist to dry, but prefers cool and moist. Adaptable to different soil types.

Propagation

Store seeds dry. Cold-moist stratify for 60-90days. Germinate at 70 degrees.

Biocultural value

Leaves were used to make a fragrant tea and to treat respiratory complaints due to its expectorant properties.

Wildlife value

Important to insects and hummingbirds as a nectar plant.

Climate change sensitivity

Over the period from 1986 to 2015, Monarda didyma bloomed an average of 23 days earlier.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Palmer-Kinne Dogwood Collection, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog

Source of plant

The Plantsmen, Prairie Nursery

Description

Monarda didyma is a somewhat coarse, clump-forming, mint family member that features tubular, two-lipped, bright scarlet-red flowers crowded into dense, globular, terminal flowerheads (to 3-4 across) somewhat resembling unkempt mop-heads. Flowerheads bloom atop 2-4™ tall square stems clad with opposite, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, medium to deep green leaves (3-6 long) with serrate margins. Leaves emit a minty fragrance when bruised or crushed. Each flowerhead is subtended by a whorl of showy, red-tinged, leafy bracts. Long summer bloom extends for about 8 weeks from early/mid-summer to late summer. Plant foliage declines after bloom, particularly if infected with mildew. Attractive to bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, particularly when massed.Common name of bee balm is in reference to a former use of plant resins to soothe bee stings. Common name of Oswego tea is in reference to a former use of plants leaves for tea by the Oswego Indians of New York State. The toothed, aromatic leaves (3-5 long) are still used today for teas and in salads. Common name of wild bergamot is in reference to the purported similarity of the aroma of plant flowers to the bergamot orange.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

hummingbird plant, medicinal/pharmaceutical

Status

L3|S5|G5