Wild Bergamot / Bee Balm (Oswego Tea) (Monarda fistulosa)

Family: Lamiaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Fragrant perennial mint with square stems and mop-headed lavender flowers humming with native pollinators. Imparts intense oregano and thyme essential oils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Spicy, aromatic, warm combination of wild Greek oregano, thyme, and citrus bergamot. — Leaves dried and used as premier native wild oregano in tomato sauces and stews; Fresh petals sprinkled over summer salads and goat cheese; Steeped with honey as famous Oswego medicinal respiratory tea; Tinctured as a potent antiseptic throat spray

Habitat & North American Range

Dry open prairies, pastures, glades, roadsides, and open oak savannas. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)