Banner: Garden in the Wood: The Garden in Bloom

 

 

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Drawing of wildflowers
Copyright ©
New England Wildflower Society 2002
Oswego Tea - Bee Balm - Bergamot (Monarda didyma)
Oswego Tea - Bee Balm

Equally at home in the wild and in the garden, clumps of Oswego Tea sport bright red spiky blooms on stalks up to 4'. It can be found growing along the banks of springs. Its distinctive fragrance and nectar make it a popular destination for bees and hummingbirds. It can be invasive.

A member of the mint family, it has been traditionally used to make a mint-flavored tea considered good for fevers, stomach problems, and restful sleep. Its oil is an ingredient in perfume.

Bloom time: Early July through early September

 

Photographer: Ellyn Larkin