Native Plant Series: Bee Balm

Plant This: The Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a perennial plant of the Monarda genus, part of the mint family. Do not be alarmed, this plant will not run over your garden like most mints do. It is a clump forming mint that attracts many pollinators like hummingbird moths, swallowtail butterflies and bumble bees. This native plant grows up to 5 feet tall so it may need staking. Wild Bergamot is a great replacement for the very invasive Dame’s Rocket. Dame’s Rocket is prevalent on medians and sides of highways as well as open fields. Many people think that Dame’s Rocket is a native wildflower, because its seeds can often be found in packets of “wildflower seeds” that are widely distributed; don’t be fooled, this plant is considered invasive in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia. To remove Dame’s Rocket, hand pulling is best for small amounts, making sure to get the whole taproot. 

To find out more about Wild Bergamot and other members of the bee balm family, visit https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2023/07/17/an-ode-to-beebalms-our-beautiful-biodiversity-magnets/

This blog series provided by Zander Hine, ACWA Student Board member