Monarda fistulosa (bee balm, wild bergamot) has violet blossoms with aromatic foliage. A familiar sight on the prairie. Native to most of North America, its historical medicinal applications include poultices for boils and lacerations, as well as tea infusions for headaches, indigestion and colds and flu. Wild Bergamot is a favorite of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Its species name, fistulosa, refers to the tube-like structure of its blossoms, which appear from July through September. NATIVE TO ALL OF NORTH AMERICA.
Monarda punctata is commonly called spotted Bee Balm. It prefers sandy soils and full to part sun. It has an exotic flower form and color with complex blossoms of pinkish-purple, green, beige, and maroon atop 24″ stems. NATIVE TO THE EASTERN AND SOUTHERN U.S.