Monarda Bee Balm

Traditional Cree name: apiscanakaskisik

Latin name: Monarada fistulosa

Common names: wild bergamot, bee balm, oswego tea (m. didyma), horse mint, sweet leaf, purple bee balm

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)

Kingdom: Plantae

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Oki, Âba wathtech, Dānít’ádā, Tansi, Hello

What’s this fuzzy purplish pink looking mop of hair growing out of the grasses? it’s me Monarda, also known as bee balm or Wild Bergamot.

After you notice my unique flowers and striking colour you may notice that I also have a strong aroma that is similar to Greek oregano. Rightly so as we are both members of the Mint family, a family with characteristic square shaped stems and strong smelling plants. 

My colour and smell may be why the bees really love me, and many other native pollinators too, so much so that many humans refer to me as a pollinator powerhouse. I attract not only native bees species but butterflies, hummingbirds, predatory wasps, moths and more.  

I have a long history of Indigenous medicinal uses and importance, I was even considered a love charm called “elk medicine” by relatives down south. 

Garden centres are starting to realize my native beauty and my importance to native pollinators. So maybe we’ll meet again in your garden?!

It’s good to meet you 

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