The common names “Wild Bergamot” and “Bee Balm” frequently cause confusion, as they are often used interchangeably to refer to aromatic North American wildflowers. While this interchangeability is common, the terms actually describe distinct species of plants. Both are celebrated for their striking flowers and aromatic foliage, but they represent different botanical entities. Determining if they are the same requires examining their specific scientific classifications.
Clarifying the Botanical Identity
The primary source of the naming overlap is that both plants belong to the same genus, Monarda, which is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Sharing a genus signifies that they are closely related and share fundamental characteristics, such as the mint family’s hallmark square stems and opposite leaves. This places them in the same family as familiar herbs like peppermint and basil.
Wild Bergamot is scientifically identified as Monarda fistulosa, a species widespread across North America. Conversely, the plant most often referred to simply as Bee Balm, or sometimes Oswego Tea, is Monarda didyma. The difference lies in the species designation, which denotes unique traits that separate them despite their common ancestry.
Distinguishing Physical Characteristics
Since Wild Bergamot and Bee Balm are different species, they present visually distinct characteristics that allow for easy identification. Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) is characterized by its pale lavender or pink flowers, which bloom atop sturdy, often taller stems. This species is more tolerant of dry conditions and is frequently found growing in drier soils, prairies, and open fields.
In contrast, Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) is known for its brilliant, vivid scarlet-red, tubular flowers. This species is native to eastern North America and prefers a moisture-rich environment, often thriving in damp meadows and along stream banks. The preference for moist soil and the striking red color are the most immediate field differences between M. didyma and its paler, drought-tolerant relative.
Resolving the Citrus Confusion
A separate layer of confusion arises because the name “Bergamot” is also used for the Bergamot orange, Citrus bergamia. The two are utterly unrelated botanically; Monarda species are North American herbs in the mint family, while Citrus bergamia is a fruit tree in the Rutaceae (citrus) family, cultivated primarily in Italy. This citrus fruit is the source of the essential oil used to give Earl Grey tea its distinct flavor.
The Monarda species acquired the common name “Bergamot” because the aromatic oils released by crushing their leaves reminded early settlers of the fragrance of the Bergamot orange peel. Despite this aromatic similarity, the two plants are not interchangeable. The Monarda aroma is described as a blend of mint and oregano, while the citrus fruit’s scent is distinctly bright and floral.
Traditional and Modern Applications
Both Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma have a long history of use by Native American tribes as medicine. The plants contain the natural antiseptic compound thymol, which is an active ingredient in some modern commercial mouthwashes. This chemical property gives the plants strong antiseptic and antifungal qualities, making them useful in traditional poultices for skin infections and minor wounds.
The leaves and flowers are frequently used to prepare a medicinal tea, historically known as Oswego Tea, utilized to alleviate symptoms of colds, fevers, and digestive issues. Beyond medicinal uses, the leaves of Monarda species are employed culinarily as a seasoning herb, imparting a flavor reminiscent of oregano and thyme. In the modern garden, both species are highly valued for attracting native pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.