This post is part of a series highlighting some of the best plants for pollinators from coast-to-coast. Drawing from our books 100 Plants to Feed the Bees, Gardening for Butterflies , and our Monarch Nectar Plant Guides.
Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.
A small black sweat bee, Dufourea monardae, is a specialist of bee balm in the Midwest and Northeast. Researchers in mid-Atlantic states have recently observed sand wasps (Bicyrtes) using beebalm extensively for nectar. These wasps are voracious predators of brown marmorated stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys), a significant pest of orchards and vegetable crops. Wild bergamot was identified as a valuable monarch nectar plant in our research, and is suggested in our Monarch Nectar Plant Guide – Midwest and guides for other regions where it grows.
Wild bergamot is one of the easiest plants to start from seed, it can be planted on bare soil in spring without need of overwintering. It’s distinctive crown of tubular light pink or purple flowers stand atop short, sturdy stems from mid-summer through fall. Unlike other bee balms, wild bergamot maintains small colonies and is shorter in height than its taller and more aggressive cousins.
Native Range: Wild bergamot thrives in a wide range of soils, and can be found across most of the U.S. and Canada with the exception of California and Florida.
Best for: Long bloom period provides abundant resources for a diversity of bees and other pollinators.
Is Bergamot the Same as Bee Balm? Clearing Up the Confusion
Bergamot and bee balm are two plants that often get confused with each other due to their similar common names. However, they are actually quite distinct despite some overlapping characteristics. In this article, we’ll unravel the confusion between these two plants and highlight their key differences.
What is Bergamot?
When people refer to bergamot, they are usually talking about the citrus fruit that produces bergamot essential oil. Botanically known as Citrus bergamia, this small, round fruit looks like a lime or orange Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the rind of the fruit grown primarily in Italy The oil features a bright, citrusy aroma and is commonly found in Earl Grey tea.
What is Bee Balm?
Bee balm is the common name for flowering herb plants in the Monarda genus, including Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa. Native to North America, bee balm is identifiable by its scarlet, pink, purple, or white flower petals that attract bees. Bee balm has a minty fragrance and the leaves can be used to make herbal tea. It was used medicinally by Native Americans.
Why the Confusion?
When European settlers came across bee balm in America, the scent reminded them of bergamot fruit. So they nicknamed the plant “bergamot” due to the similar citrusy aroma. Over time, the names bergamot and bee balm became interchangeable, creating ample confusion.
Key Differences Between Bergamot and Bee Balm
While their scents overlap, bergamot and bee balm differ significantly:
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Plant families: Bergamot is a citrus (Rutaceae) while bee balm is a mint (Lamiaceae)
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Parts used: Bergamot oil comes from the fruit rind. Bee balm uses the leaves and flowers.
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Compounds: Bergamot contains limonene. Bee balm has aromatics like thymol.
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Products: Bergamot yields essential oil. Bee balm gives an herbal infusion.
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Uses: Bergamot oil benefits skin and mood. Bee balm serves as an internal remedy.
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Precautions: Bergamot oil is phototoxic. Bee balm tea has no known side effects.
Getting the Right One
When seeking either bergamot or bee balm, check for the proper botanical name to avoid adulteration. For bergamot essential oil, look for Citrus bergamia. For bee balm herb, search for Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa from a reputable supplier.
The Takeaway
While their names and scents intertwine, bergamot and bee balm are completely distinct plants used differently. Now that you know how to distinguish the fruity oil from the floral herb, you can confidently obtain pure bergamot or bee balm. No more confusion – just the right aromatics and herbs for your needs!
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How to Grow Wild Bergamot (a.k.a Bee balm) – Complete Growing Guide
FAQ
What is another name for bergamot?
Bergamot has several other names depending on whether you’re referring to the citrus fruit or the herb. The citrus fruit, Citrus bergamia, is also known as bergamot orange or bergamot lemon.
Why is bee balm called bergamot?
Common names include bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, and oswego tea, the first being inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). The genus was named for the Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes, who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants of the New World.
Is wild bergamot bee balm invasive?
This means your bee balm will eventually be far from where you planted it. So, if you are asking the question, “is bee balm invasive,” the answer would be yes, under suitable conditions. Luckily, bee balm is very forgiving.
What’s another name for bee balm?
Bee balm is also commonly known as bergamot, Oswego tea, or wild bergamot. The scientific name for bee balm is Monarda.
Is bee balm a bergamot?
Bee balm belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family and shares more characteristics in common with its fellow plant family members – such as peppermint, lavender, and sage – than that of its fruity namesake bergamot. Bee balm is a herb native to the woodlands and fields of North America.
What does a Bergamot fruit look like?
Bergamot fruit resembles a small orange in appearance, except for the color. The herb bergamot is known by the botanical name of Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa, depending on the exact species. It is commonly referred to by its English name of bergamot or bee balm (because of its tendency to attract bees). What is a bee balm?
Does bergamot attract bees?
Bergamot the herb is known botanically as Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa and it is a member of the Lamiaceae plant family. You may know it better by the common English name of bee balm because of its tendency to attract bees. What does Bergamot fruit look like? Bergamot fruit resembles a small orange in appearance, except for the color.
Can you grow bergamot & bee balm together?
A: Yes, all three herbs can be grown in gardens. Bee balm and wild bergamot are hardy perennials that thrive in full sun to partial shade. Bergamot is a citrus tree that requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. Q: Are bee balm, bergamot, and wild bergamot safe to consume? A: Bee balm and wild bergamot are generally safe for consumption.
What is bergamot used for?
Culinary Uses: While not as commonly used in cooking as bee balm, bergamot zest can add a tangy citrus twist to desserts and beverages. Bergamot is also used to flavor liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages. Wild bergamot, scientifically known as *Monarda fistulosa*, is a close relative of bee balm.
What does bee balm smell like?
Bee balm is said to have a scent reminiscent of the bergamot fruit. When European settlers came across the herb growing in the Americas, they nicknamed it “bergamot” due to the similar citrusy aroma. Over time, the common name bergamot became interchangeably used for both the North American herb and the Italian citrus fruit.