How to identify Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Wild bergamot, also known as Mintleaf beebalm, Horsemint
Wild bergamot is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the mint family. This plant typically reaches a height of 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) and forms dense clumps. Its stems are square in cross-section, a characteristic feature of its family. Wild bergamot produces lavender to pinkish flowers arranged in dense, rounded clusters atop the stems. Its leaves are oblong, serrated along the edges, and attached to the stem by a short petiole. The grayish-green foliage gives off a pleasant fragrance when crushed.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Square stem characteristic of mint family
Lavender to pinkish flowers in dense rounded clusters
Toothed, opposite, oblong leaves with grayish-green color
Dry nutlet fruit less than 1/6 inch with brown color
Aromatic foliage emits pleasant fragrance when crushed
The toothed, opposite, aromatic, oblong leaves of wild bergamot are notable for their grayish-green color and measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. These leaves are characterized by their distinct toothed margins and are arranged opposite each other on the stem. They possess a noticeable aroma and a slightly rough texture due to fine hairs. The veining pattern is prominent, helping to distinguish wild bergamot from other plants. Overall, the leaves' unique combination of shape, size, and scent makes them an identifiable feature of wild bergamot.
Wild bergamot features two-lipped, tubular flowers that appear in dense, globular, solitary, terminal heads atop square stems. Each flower head rests upon a whorl of showy, pinkish, leafy bracts. The flowers, attractive to bees and butterflies, bloom from June to September. Individual flowers are typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, with a delicate fragrance often likened to oregano.
The fruit of wild bergamot is a dry schizocarp, notably a nutlet, that possesses a non-fleshy characteristic. These nutlets are small, with each individual fruit typically measuring less than 1/6 inch (approximately 2 to 3 mm) in length. Upon maturation, the nutlets display a brown hue. They are smooth in texture, with an oblong shape that tapers towards the base. Found in clusters, these seeds disperse when the capsule splits along its natural seams, which occurs after the flowering period that spans from August to October.
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Scientific Classification of Wild bergamot
