How to identify Bergamot (Monarda)

Photo By Liam O'Brien , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Bergamot (Monarda)

Bergamot, also known as Oswego tea

Bergamot exhibits a notable vertical stature, typically standing about 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) in height, with some iterations potentially reaching even greater elevations. This perennial features aromatic blooms, which serve as beacons for numerous pollinators. These flowers manifest in a spectrum of hues, unfurling their petals in either the spring or summer seasons, displaying a diverse palette that enhances their garden appeal.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bergamot

Aromatic, colorful blooms attract pollinators with hues ranging from red to purple.

Slender, lanceolate leaves emit a mint fragrance, measuring 2.5-5 inches (6.4-12.7 cm).

Quadrangular green stems, 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall, exhibit a distinct ridged pattern.

Fruit comprises tiny, brown nutlets of 1-2 mm diameter, facilitating passive dispersal.

Blooms form dense clusters with tubular flowers measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length.

Detailed Traits of Bergamot

Leaf Features

The leaves of bergamot are slender, green, and range from 2.5 to 5 inches (6.4 to 12.7 cm) in length. They are lanceolate to ovate in shape with serrated margins and may have sparse to no hairs. The leaves emit a mint fragrance when crushed. The vein pattern is prominent, adding to the texture, and they have a smooth upper surface with a slightly rougher underside.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of bergamot are vividly colorful, ranging from red to pink to purple hues. Each tubular bloom is about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, featuring a narrow upper lip and a broader lower lip. Growing in dense, globular clusters, these flowers emerge at stem ends or leaf axils, underpinned by a whorl of leafy bracts. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, they often emit a fragrant, slightly minty scent, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Bergamot features square green stems that are notably angular in cross-section, a characteristic referred to as quadrangular. These stems are typically firm and erect, ranging from 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) in height. The texture is smooth with occasional fine hairs, and they exhibit a distinct ridged pattern. Branching occurs opposite each pair of leaves, forming a symmetrical and structured appearance. The vibrant green color of the stem remains consistent throughout its length, providing a clear distinguishing trait.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of bergamot consists of tiny, brown, nutlet-like structures, each containing one seed. These nutlets form within the spent flower tubes after blooming and measure approximately 1-2 millimeters in diameter. As the flowers mature, the nutlets dry and harden, developing a smooth to slightly textured surface. The fruit does not have any fleshy components and is adapted for passive dispersal; the seeds readily fall out of the dry tubes, facilitating natural propagation.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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