Bergamot, 'Sweet Leaf' (Monarda fistulosa)

A bee and butterfly favorite, the perennial Sweet Leaf Bergamot rocks a regal blossom tower of sweet-leafy perfection. Also known as Wild Bergamot, it is a part of the Lamiaceae family and grows abundantly throughout its native Appalachian region. The common prairie herb grows compact, lavender clumps of glossy, sweet aromas and tolerates almost any soil condition, as long as it's well drained.

Ornamental, culinary, and medicinal, the young leaves are often used in herbal teas and can be enjoyed in jellies and desserts. Sweet Leaf Bergamot blossoms make for easy, brilliant bouquets and dry into perfectly perfumed potpourri. The herbal tea has long been consumed by native dwellers for colds, headaches and indigestion. Growing alongside many clay-soil roadsides in the Southeast United States, the Sweet Leaf Bergamot herb remains a prominent healing staple in traditional folk healing. Check it out for yourself and enjoy all the bees that undoubtedly shall check your new herb out as well!