Native Plants of the Great Lakes
North Branch Restoration Project:
Native Plant and Seed Collection
Monarda Fistulosa / Family: Lamiaceae
Wild Bergamot, Swink/Wilhelm # 4
FLOWERING: July - August
SEED TIMING: September to end of October
HABITAT: Upland woods, openings and wet/dry prairies. Very
tolerant.
DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES: 2 - 3 feet. Erect perennial with
paired, serrated, lance-shaped leaves and regal terminal heads of
tubular, feathery lavender blossoms. Stem is square (as with all
mints); slightly hairy.
TO PICK: Hemispherical seed head turns brown when ripe and
stays on stalk a long time. Do not pick green. Pop off entire head.
Seeds are located deep in tubules. Test for seed by turning over
head and stroking. Seed should fall out. |
