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Drawing copyright Mark Müller
Lamiaceae Family - "Wild Bergamot, Horsemint, Bee Balm"
Monarda named in honor of Spanish botanist, Nicolas Monardes, who wrote extensively in the 16th century about medicinal and useful plants. Fistulosa from the Latin for "like a reed or a pipe" referring to the individual flowers.
Common to the eastern and northeastern US and the central Tallgrass region on rich, moist soils. Found along the edges of woods, roadsides and old pastures. Pink to light purple flowers from July to September. Can grow to 5 feet. Typical square stem of the mint family.
Native Americans used a tea made from the leaves of Wild Bergamot to treat colic, flatulence, colds, fevers, stomachaches, nosebleeds, insomnia, heart trouble and to induce sweating in measles. Apoultice made from the leaves was used to treat headaches. Physicians once used the same leaf tea to expel worms and gas.
