Weekend Gardener: Once just a wildflower, today's Monarda is a cultivated ornamental

From: Maryland Gazette | Date: August 28, 2004| Author: | Copyright information

Monarda is a bright, trouble-free perennial known by many names - Bee Balm, Bergamont and Oswego Tea.

From early summer to early fall, this striking plant turns into one of the most beautiful of our native wildflowers.

There are about a dozen species in the North American Monarda genus of the mint family. Several species have been used for medicinal purposes.

Indians taught early settlers to make a stimulating, aromatic infusion from Monarda leaves. The plant became known as Oswego Tea when it was used to relieve fevers, colds and sore throats. Oil derived from the plant was diluted and ...

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