NAME: WILD BERGAMOT   Monarda fistulosa 
DESCRIPTION:

Leaf:  Opposite, lance-shaped, toothed and prominently veined.
Flower:  Many flowers, which are 2-lipped and purplish or lavender, borne in a spherical, feathery head.   Present July to early October.
Stem:  Square, 2-3 feet tall.

DISCUSSION:

This beautiful, aromatic mint is a durable tie with prairie history and heritage.  The plant has flowers that are attractive to bees, and is considered a good honey plant.  The leaves can be used for tea.  This plant can also be used as an ornamental in gardens and would be a great addition to a butterfly garden.

DISTRIBUTION:

New England to Minnesota, south to Texas and Georgia.
 

IMAGES:    Return to Plant Lists

Fall picture. Fall picture. (12 in. ruler added for scale.)


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COPYRIGHT:

© Copyright 2002, L&T Natural Images and Madsion Jr. High, all rights reserved. Contact information: email at lcwik@naperville203.org or tcoutts@naperville203.org

REFERENCES:

Mohlenbroch, Robert H., and John W. Voigt.  Prairie Pants of Illinois.
Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 1985.

Young, Dick.  Kane County Wild Plants and Natural Areas.  2nd ed. Geneva, Il:
Kane County Illinois Forest Preserve District, 1994.

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