Wild Bergamot
Classification:
Family: Lamiaceae, mint family
Genus species: Monarda fistulosa
Leaves:
Leaves are lance-shaped, 2 to 3 inches long.
Flowers:
Flowers are arranged in showy clusters at the end of a stem. Each cluster has about 75 flowers. Flower petals are pink, lavender, or deep purple. Flower has an upper and lower lip. Upper lip extends forward and has a hairy tip. Lower lip has three lobes and is spreading.
More Information:
The genus name Monarda is named after Nicholas Monards (1493-1588), a Spanish botanist. The species name fistulosa is from the Latin for “tubular.” The common name Bergamot is from the French bergamote for a type of citrus tree, named for its citrus-like fragrance.
Photos:Wild Bergamot
