Bee Balm

Wild bergamot - Monarda fistulosa - also called Horsemint or Bee Balm.  These lavender flowers attract many insects and are terrific in native pollinator habitat. 

It also plays an important role in folk medicine, history and cooking.  It was used to make an infusion by the Oswego Indians (Oswego tea) and was adopted by early European settlers following the Boston tea party in 1773.  The common name - bergamot – is associated with its citrusy flavor that is very similar to the bergamot orange used to flavor Earl Grey tea.  It is a terrific addition to oil used to cook fish and shellfish and has medicinal properties useful in the treatment of colds, reducing fever, soothing sore throats, headaches, insomnia and menstrual cramps.   The plant contains thymol which imparts antibacterial and antiseptic properties useful in the treatment of infections. 

It also makes a lovely floral display at the base of deer stands.