The common name beebalm refers to the use of a resin derived from the plant that may be used for healing and soothing in particularly of bee stings. For bareroot varieties, plant with the old stems pointing up. \"Cambridge Scarlet\" is a popular cultivar with red flowers. Use fresh or dried leaves in tomato dishes, and as a substitute for sage in stuffing for poultry and meats, especially pork and veal. Plant taxonomy classifies red bee balm plants (alternatively termed \"scarlet\") as Monarda didyma. While the flowers usually appear individually, some cultivars are created to have two of them on one stem. They grow erect to heights of 20–90 cm (8–35 in). fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Common names include bee balm, horsemint, oswego tea, the latter inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). Others, as illustrated above right M. 'Squaw' are more long lasting. Monarda, commonly called bee balm or bergamot, is also known by the names oswego tea and horsemint. It is also good for soothing the digestive tract. Monarda didyma, known by a number of different common names including bee balm, Oswego tea and bergamot, is native to eastern North America where it typically occurs in bottomlands, thickets, moist woods and along streambanks from Maine to Minnesota south to Missouri and Georgia. M. didyma has red-colored flowers, and contains the highest amounts of essential oils. There are many different varieties of the Monarda species, and about 50 commercial cultivars commonly available. There are two stamens. Externally, bee balm is a wonderful aromatherapy herb. Certainly, the strong, citrusy fragrance emanating from bee balm bears more than a passing resemblance to a steaming cup of Earl Grey, but bergamot oil comes from a citrus fruit, not this cottage garden favorite. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-d2559b6gz")); Copyright © The Epicentre - Website designed by, How to Start Your First Fresh Herb Garden, Want to Go Organic? Bee balm is a great addition to a pollinator garden. This new, shorter, more compact version forms rapidly spreading, medium-sized clumps of mint-scented foliage. Several species, including Monarda fistulosa and M. didyma, have a long history of use as medicinal plants by many Native Americans, such as the Blackfoot, Menominee, Ojibwa and Winnebago. Oswego tea was embraced as a beverage by the early American settlers, who after the Boston tea party in 1773, boycotted Indian tea which was traded by the English. Monarda grows best in full sun but tolerates light shade, and will thrive in any moist soil that is rich in organic matter such as manure, compost, or leaf mold. They are prone to developing powdery mildew in high humidity, especially if planted in a place without good air circulation. The resplendent flowers range from pink and mauve to a rich, vibrant red in the case of the most popular ‘Cambridge scarlet’ variety. Other Names. Bergamot can be used in several ways outside of tea. Other known names of this plant are Monarda, wild bergamot, horsemint, and Oswego tea. Often called bergamot because its citrusy flavor is similar to the bergamot orange, bee balm flowers make a great addition to oil when frying white fish or scallops. Bergamot bears a dozen or more tubularshaped flowers clustered in pom-pom shaped whorls atop strong, square stems with pairs of oval, hairy leaves 3 1/4 in. Bee Balm, Bergamot, American Melissa, Fragrant Balm, Gold Melissa, Horse Mint, Indian Nettle, Indian Plume, Oswego Tea. Like other members of the mint family, Bee Balm can become invasive, but you can keep your clump contained by dividing the roots in either spring or fall. It’s lovely in the jar and carries a light honey flavor with minty undertones. The plants are widespread across North America and can be found in moist meadows, hillsides, and forest clearings up to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in elevation. [8], Monarda plants thrive in sun and moist but well-drained soil. Also known by its botanical name of Monarda, bee balm is very attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They are also one of the top rabbit-resistant plants for your garden. In small garden settings, some varieties of bee balm can out-compete less aggressive neighbors, so be careful where you plant them. Monarda's common names are Bee Balm, as it has great allure to the bees, and also Bergamot because the leaves are scented and when rubbed it is said they smell similar to the Bergamot oranges. These beautiful native perennials can grow several feet tall, and serve valuable nectar to butterflies and hummingbirds. Bee Balm Jelly. Legal Status. A steam inhalation of the plant is useful for soothing inflamed mucus membranes. Bee Balm herb is noted for its fragrance, and is a source of oil of thyme. Monarda fistulosa, the wild bergamot or bee balm, is a wildflower in the mint family (Lamiaceae) widespread and abundant as a native plant in much of North America. [10], The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:[11], The UK National Collection of Monardas is held at Glyn Bach Gardens at Pont Hywel, Efailwen, near Llandissilio in Pembrokeshire.[18]. Subordinate Taxa. 1. Bee balm is a ‘catch all’ term that encompasses several species of flowering herbs from the Monarda genus. (2 cm) wide. The whole plant is valuable for medicinal purposes. Monarda is in the tribe Mentheae of the subfamily Nepetoideae in the mint family. Monarda are used in beds and borders to attract hummingbirds, pollinating insects, and insects that control garden pests. [CDATA[ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-0348064665172985"; /* Epicentre 300x250 anywhere */ google_ad_slot = "5495859598"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 250; // ]]> Bergamot is a member of the mint family. Monarda citriodora has leaves that are lemon-scented. "Labiatae". It grows from two to four feet tall depending on the variety, and will fit well into your herb garden or can be used for a perennial border planting. Common Name. Earl Grey tea is flavored with the rind of citrus bergamia, the bergamot orange. \"Oswego tea\" is another common name. It’s delightful with cream cheese or simply spread on toast. This can be harmful to pregnant women. Monarda is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Monarda, called by the common names of bee balm, horsemint and bergamot, is part of the mint family. Native Americans made use of monarda's essential healing oils, and spotted bee balm … Makes a great gift. It is a delightfully spicy edible flower and native medicinal herb, as well as an easy-to-grow, vigorous native nectar plant that will attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your pollinator garden. Bee balm flowers can be fresh-frozen and will keep for two months or more. Bee balm spreads by rhizomes, or underground stems, which makes them easy to split and divide. It is an effective herbal cure for Headache. Dangers: Bergamot stimulates contractions in the uterus. The name “bee balm” is one of the many common names of the Monarda genus. Native Americans and later settlers also used it to alleviate stomach and bronchial ailments. Bee balm was also used as a carminative herb by Native Americans to prevent excessive flatulence. The plant has antibacterial properties, which helps to treat infections. The herb contains thymol, which is responsible for many of the plants healing qualities. Their strong flavor also goes well with meat and pork dishes. Also complements many fruits, including strawberries, oranges, apples, melons, and tangerines. The name “bergamot” derives from the scent of the plant’s flower, leaves and roots that resemble Bergamot Orange, Citrus bergamia, the source of bergamot oil used to flavor Earl Grey tea. Deeply breathing in the steam may also help relieve cold symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and congestion. Bee balm has its origin in North America. The flavor of Monarda combines well with tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and orange. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. //