Monarda didyma

Monarda didyma, also known as Bee Balm, Scarlet Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea, or Bergamot, is a perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to eastern North America and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant.

Description

Monarda didyma grows up to 1.2 meters tall, with leaves that are opposite, lanceolate, and serrated. The flowers are tubular and bilaterally symmetric, with a narrow upper lip and a wider lower lip. The flowers are typically bright red, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Cultivation

Monarda didyma prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is resistant to drought and deer, making it a popular choice for gardeners. The plant is also used in herbal medicine, as it contains the antiseptic Thymol, the primary active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas.

History

The common name "Oswego Tea" comes from the Oswego Native American tribe, who taught the use of this plant for tea to the early European settlers. The name "Bergamot" is derived from the similar aroma of the bergamot orange.

Ecology

Monarda didyma is a favorite of many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is also susceptible to powdery mildew disease, which can be controlled with proper spacing and air circulation.

See also

• Monarda fistulosa
• Monarda punctata

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