Wild bergamot (bee balm)
Monarda fistulosa
A native mint-family perennial with opposite leaves and rounded heads of lavender flowers. Identified wild bergamot is used as a tea herb. It also supports pollinators, so leave flowers and stems for wildlife.
Native range
Much of North America, including Ontario.
Typical season
Flowering is generally in summer; no reviewed local leaf-picking calendar is assigned.
Identification
Compare square stems, opposite toothed leaves and tubular flowers in terminal heads. Garden bee balms may be other species or hybrids. This is different from the bergamot citrus used to flavour Earl Grey; fragrance alone is insufficient for identification.