ExplorePlants

wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

Wild bergamot is a beautiful flower that grows in fields and meadows. It has lovely purple blooms and a sweet, minty smell that attracts butterflies and bees.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The wild bergamot has unique spherical clusters of tubular, shaggy lavender-pink to purple flowers that stand out in fields. Its stems are distinctly square, and its opposite leaves have a slightly fuzzy texture, making it visually appealing and easy to identify.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusMonarda
wild bergamot
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgecluster_flower trait badgesummer_blooming trait badge
wild bergamot

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even though it looks wild, hummingbirds absolutely love sipping nectar from its flowers!

Its 'bergamot' scent isn't from the citrus fruit, but a similar aroma from its leaves!

Native Americans used this plant for teas and remedies, even for bee stings!

This plant is a cousin to mint, which is why its crushed leaves smell so fresh!

Special abilities

Ability

Nectar Beacon

Wild bergamot can produce abundant nectar that helps it attract many different pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds for reproduction.

Ability

Aromatic Shield

Wild bergamot has special oils that give it a minty scent, helping it defend against some hungry animals and insects.

Ability

Underground Traveler

Wild bergamot can spread through underground stems called rhizomes, helping it form colonies and find new growing space.

Measurements & details

Height
60-150 cm
Spread
30-90 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from flowers.

pollinates

Common eastern bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Buzz pollinates flowers for pollen and nectar.

pollinates

Eastern tiger swallowtail

Papilio glaucus

Sips nectar from the tubular flowers.

pollinates

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

Feeds on nectar, aiding pollination.

eaten by

Hermit Sphinx Moth

Sphinx eremita

Caterpillars feed on its leaves.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is wild bergamot?

60-150 cm

How wide does wild bergamot spread?

30-90 cm

How big are the flowers on wild bergamot?

2-3 cm

When does wild bergamot bloom?

Summer

Is wild bergamot edible?

Yes

Is wild bergamot toxic?

None

What is wild bergamot's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is wild bergamot pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Plants