BEE BALM
BEE BALM
Monarda fistulosa

Plant Family.......... Lamiaceae (Mint) Plant Height .... 4 Feet
Leaf Arrangement.. Opposite

Habitat............. Open Woods, Roadsides
Bloom Date............ June

Flower Color.... Purple

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DESCRIPTION

The Monarda fistulosa species of Bee Balm is more common than the close relative Monarda didyma (Oswego tea). Monarda fistulosa, also known as Wild Bergamont has light purple flowers. The flowers have a spiked appearance. The plant has opposite lance shaped leaves and grows to about 4 feet tall. Being in the mint family, the stems are square. The leaves are fragrant when crushed. The plant is visited by honey bees. The Oswego Tea species, shown in image 6, has red flowers.
The Monarda fistulosa (light purple) species can be found in open patches on mountain slopes and along roadside banks. The Oswego tea species can be found at the Huntsville Botanical Garden wildflower area.

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