White Bergamot, Basil Bee Balm (Monarda clinopodia L.)

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Linnaeus named the genus Monarda in honor of a 16th century Spanish physician and botanist, Nicolas Bautista Monardes (1493-1588). Monardes never went to the Americas but was able to study medicinal plants in Spain because Spain controlled navigation and commerce from the New World.

Photographic Location: Standing Stone State Park, TN

The name "bee balm" implies that this plant is attractive to bees. Although bees do visit this plant, the long, tubular flowers make the nectar less accessible to bees, but more easily reached by long-tongued butterflies and flies. The fresh or dried leaves and flower heads can be brewed into a tea. They also blend well with other teas.