Wild Bergamot

Biological Name:

Monarda fistulosa (Wild-Bergamot)

Natural Habitat:

Wild-Bergamot is a type of flowering plant that is native to North America. It typically grows in fields, meadows, and other open, sunny areas, and it is often found in the eastern United States.

Description:

Wild-Bergamot is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It has small white or pink flowers and opposite oval-shaped leaves. It is often found in moist shaded areas and is used in traditional medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is wild bergamot invasive?
A: Wild Bergamot is in the mint family and spreads by slender underground rhizomes, though it is clump forming and not invasive.
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Q: Is wild bergamot toxic to dogs?
A: Bergamot oil is a dog-safe essential oil.
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Q: Does wild bergamot repel mosquitoes?
A: Also known as bee balm! This mosquito repelling plant is commonly known as wild bergamot and horsemint. Bee balm will bring many pollinators to your garden like bees, hummingbirds and butterflies but mosquitoes don’t like it.
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Q: Do you cut back wild bergamot?
A: Wild bergamot need to be pruned in spring and have the buds pinched out at the seedling stage. this tip can help to control their height and promote branching. To adjust the height of wild bergamot, pruning once in late spring or early summer is also advised.
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Q: Do hummingbirds like wild bergamot?
A: Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.
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Q: What is wild bergamot good for?
A: Early white settlers used it as a diaphoretic and carminative, and occasionally employed it for the relief of flatulent colic, nausea and vomiting. Economic: Wild bergamot is used in flower arrangements. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds use the plant for nectar.
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Q: Can I make tea from wild bergamot?
A: If you have monarda in your garden, you can make your own bee balm tea (also called wild bergamot, or oswego tea). What is this? This beneficial tea not only tastes great, but is good for helping fight off colds and the flu. So it’s especially nice to have on hand in the winter months!
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Q: Where should I plant wild bergamot?
A: Feel free to plant your wild bergamot either in the spring or the fall. Although this hardy plant can grow in areas that are less than ideal, it prefers full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Wild bergamot does require a spot with plenty of air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
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Q: Should I cut back wild bergamot?
A: Wild bergamot need to be pruned in spring and have the buds pinched out at the seedling stage. this tip can help to control their height and promote branching. To adjust the height of wild bergamot, pruning once in late spring or early summer is also advised.
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Q: Does bergamot come back every year?
A: Does Bergamot Come Back Every Year? Perennial bergamot should return to the garden year after year.
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Q: Is wild bergamot easy to grow?
A: USDA Hardiness Planting Zones Wild Bergamot is easy to grow, adaptable, and readily spreads to form large swaths. You’ll have so many flowers from midsummer into fall that the bees won’t mind if you cut a few to jazz up indoor arrangements. Healthy leaves or flowers can be used to make tea.
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Q: Is wild bergamot the same as bee balm?
A: Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.
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Q: Who should not use bergamot?
A: It’s important to monitor those levels if you choose to use bergamot supplements. Even if you don’t have diabetes, bergamot could make it harder for doctors to control your blood sugar during surgery. Experts recommend that you stop using bergamot supplements two weeks before you have surgery.
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Q: What does wild bergamot smell like?
A: Some describe the smell of bergamot as halfway between lemon and orange — imagine the sourness of lime combined with the sweetness of orange — but more mellow and rounded.
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Q: What is another name for wild bergamot?
A: Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Beebalm & Wild Bergamot, is a native wildflower. As a member of the mint family, Wild Bergamot emits a light aroma from its leaves.
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Q: Is wild bergamot perennial?
A: Wild bergamot, known by many other common names, is a popular and showy perennial. Clusters of lavender, pink or white flowers, looking like ragged pompoms, bloom atop 2-5 ft., open-branched stems. This showy perennial, frequently cultivated, has aromatic leaves used to make mint tea.
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Q: How long does Wild Bergamot last?
A: A member of the mint family, Wild Bergamot blooms for 1 month in Summer, and attracts many of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.