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Wild bergamot
Left: Monarda fistulosa in ASMSA garden fall 2024.
Left: Monarda fistulosa in ASMSA garden fall 2024.
Above: Monarda fistulosa in bloom.
Above: Monarda fistulosa in bloom.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates somewhat poor soils and some drought.
Growth Habit/Description:
Clump-forming perennial up to 2-4’ in height and 2-3’ wide with opposite ovate leaves. Leaves deep green. Tubular, lilac-purple flowers grow in dense globular terminal heads. It's a self-seeding plant, and can expand into colonies.
Bloom Season:
Purple flower clusters bloom in mid-late summer and early fall.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
No.
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat: Monarda fistulosa typically grows in prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and along roadsides. It thrives in well-drained soils and is commonly found in dry to mesic (moderately moist) conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is often found in areas with disturbed soils such as pastures and grasslands. This plant is native to North America, particularly in regions such as the Midwest, Great Plains, and Eastern United States.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Monarda Fistulosa serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of orange mint moth (Pyrausta orphisalis).
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. Monarda fistulosa provides support for pollinators, serve as host plants, aid in habitat creation, and promote soil health.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: The species name fistulosa comes from the Latin word for "tube," referring to the tube-like structure of the plants' flowers.
Related Plant Species: Wild bergamot is related to plants such as red bergamot (Monarda didyma) and Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata).
Use For Food/Medicine:
Wild bergamot can be used for digestive aid, respiratory benefits, and aromatic uses (soothing anxiety, etc.).
References
References
Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot). Gardenia. (n.d.-b). https://www.gardenia.net/plant/monarda-fistulosa
Missouri Botanical Garden: Monarda fistulosa https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g560
USDA Plants Database: Monarda fistulosa. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=MOFI
Last edited by Rasikh Imam, September 2024.
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