Saturday, July 31, 2010

Marsh Ecosystem-Wild Bergamot


Wild Bergamot

Order: Lamiales

Family: Lamiaceae

Genus: Monarda

Species: M. fistulosa

General Characteristics: Wild bergamot, known by many other common names, is a popular and showy perennial. Clusters of lavender, pink or white flowers, looking like ragged pompoms, bloom atop 2-5 ft., open-branched stems.

Special Adaptations: This showy perennial, frequently cultivated, has aromatic leaves used to make mint tea. Oil from the leaves was formerly used to treat respiratory ailments. The leaves smell minty.

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