Also known as Bee Balm, Monarda didyma forms a clump of tall brightly colored flowers in mid to late summer. The aromatic leaves are used to flavor drinks, salads, and stuffing. Also brewed by Native Americans in Oswego tea, which may inhibit nausea, and flatulence. The tea has a calming sedative effect taken for insomnia. Bergamot contains thymol an antiseptic which is applied to pimples, and as a vapor it is inhaled to break colds.
The bright colored flowers and pleasant aroma, which resembles that of the bergamot orange, attracts bees and hummingbirds whom collect its sweet nectar. It's cone shaped flowers are perfect for the long bill of the hummingbird, not so for smaller bees who do not have a large probiscus.
Native to eastern North America, it is a hardy perennial with a squared stem in cross section, a member of the mint family. It has dark green leaves with reddish veins and a sharply toothed margin. Scarlet Bee Balm prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, takes to moist but well drained soil.
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