Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), also known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is a fragrant native prairie plant prized for its lavender-pink, tufted blooms and aromatic foliage. The mint-scented leaves have a long history of use in herbal teas and traditional remedies. Its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for native bees, bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also serves as a larval host for several moth species.
 
Blooming in midsummer, it adds a soft, meadow-like texture and movement to pollinator gardens and naturalized plantings. Bergamot spreads gently by rhizomes, forming attractive colonies over time. It’s a resilient, easy-care native that brings both beauty and biodiversity to the landscape.