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Wild Bergamot is a wildflower that is commonly seen growing wild in ditches, pastures, meadows and prairies. Native to Eastern North America, Wild Bergamot can add mid-summer color to your yard and attract much wildlife. Loving full sun and growing to around 4' tall (1.3 m), Wild Bergamot (also known as Pink Bee Balm) is a pollinator magnet. Another benefit of this plant is that it is a favorite of hummingbirds, hummingbird moths, and numerous bees and butterflies. Facts Long bloom duration of 4 weeks or more Tolerant of partial shade to full sun Wild Bergamot is drought tolerant Hardy in zones 3-9. Check your USDA zone here Attracts a ton of bees, butterflies, as well as hummingbirds Was used by Native Americans medicinally Essential oils from the seeds have anti-bacterial properties, and have been extracted for over 100 years The scientific name of Wild Bergamot is Monarda fistulosa There are numerous local varieties of Wild Bergamot, with distinct characteristics in different regions of the United States. Essential Oils are made from the flower of Wild Bergamot, as well as mosquito repellents *Note - this article is about a single species of Bee Balm. To learn about some other Bee Balm varieties, check out the link below! Wild Bergamot Identification / Physical Description (more…)