“Bergamot” can refer to the bergamot herb, or the bergamot orange. Both have a similar citrusy-floral scent and flavor but they are two separate plants altogether. You may be familiar with Earl Grey or Bergamot tea. The flavoring used in this popular tea actually comes from the bergamot orange plant. This plant profile will be focusing on the bergamot herb.

Other names for the bergamot herb include Monarda (this is the name of the genus!), or bee balm. The resin from the plant was once used to treat insect stings. Additionally, the flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. You can see where it gets each of its common names from. The red bergamot flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds. Bergamot can come in multiple shades of purples, pinks, and reds.

Bergamot is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae. We learned in our recent blog about inflorescence types that the mint family has what is called a “verticel” inflorescence. The verticel has an axillary whorl of flowers radiating, and its individual flowers mature from bottom to top.

The genus Monarda includes species of both annual and perennial herbaceous plants. They grow to heights of 8–35 inches vertically on square stems. The leaves are slender, serrated, and lanceolate. The leaves grow oppositely. The flowers are tubular and bilaterally symmetric. The flowers have a narrow upper lip and a wider lower lip. Bergamot herbs are monoecious, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive structures.

As previously mentioned, the resin from the plant can be used to treat stings. Native Americans recognized the antiseptic properties of bergamot and used the plant to treat minor injuries or infections. Wild bergamot is found widespread through North America. The flowers are fragrant, edible (has a bitter lemon-mint taste), beautiful, and attract pollinators. They make a great addition to gardens and yards.