Why is bergamot called bee balm?

Botanical Profile of Bergamot (Herb)

The herb bergamot is known by the botanical name of Monarda didyma. It is commonly referred to by its English name of bergamot or bee balm (because of its tendency to attract bees).

Is bergamot and bee balm the same thing?

One of the loveliest of the flowering herbs, Bee Balm (also known as Bergamot), is a great attractor for hummingbirds and bees. Known also as beebread plant, Oswego tea, horsemint, and simply monarda, its leaves have a strong fragrance reminiscent of the bergamot orange.

Why is it called bee balm?

Native Americans infused the Monarda plant in tea to treat lung ailments like colds and flu and used it topically as an antiseptic for wounds and to reduce the swelling of bee stings — hence, its common name: bee balm.

Does bee balm taste like bergamot?

fistulosa is wild bee balm. Its flowers are lavender-pink and it's sometimes called wild bergamot. Both plants are members of the mint family and have a strong herbal flavor that closely resembles that of oregano.

What is the real name for bee balm?

Monarda didyma, known by a number of different common names including bee balm, Oswego tea and bergamot, is native to eastern North America where it typically occurs in bottomlands, thickets, moist woods and along streambanks from Maine to Minnesota south to Missouri and Georgia.

That's why Bergamot (Monarda) is also called Bee Balm

Is bee balm edible?

All above ground parts of the plant are edible. The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Bee balm has a minty taste and a flavor similar to oregano. It also has a citrusy aroma.

Does bee balm naturally?

Deer resistant and easy to grow, these Bee Balm will naturalize, multiplying year after year to develop into a colorful garden. The Worry-Free Combo is known for disease resistance as well.

Is bee balm used in Earl Grey tea?

Bee Balm, also known as Bergamot, Latin name Monarda, includes over a dozen varieties. Monarda fistulosa is the wild local variety. I've been assured - erroneously it turns out - that this is the plant used in Earl Grey tea that gives it a special flavor.

Is bee balm toxic to humans?

It's leaves are used to make tea. Bee balm is not poisonous for humans. In fact, eating the leaves will not harm a cat, dog or other animals in any way. Despite not being poisonous to animals, eating parts of any plant can cause digestive upset to an animal.

Is bee balm in Earl Grey tea?

Related to the bergamot used in Earl Grey Tea (same family but different genus), bee balm's blooms are strongly flavored and best used sparingly. Separate the petals from the main head to scatter over fruit salad, or steep the flower heads in liquid, then strain for a refreshing sorbet or jam.

What are bee balms?

Bee balm is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its foliage has a strong aroma and is sometimes used in herbal teas, salads, and as garnishes. The flowers are also edible. Despite being called “wild bergamot,” bee balm is not used in “bergamot” tea (a.k.a. Earl Grey tea).

Does bee balm have a scent?

The plant has a spicy aroma that tastes like a mix of spearmint and peppermint, with a sharp oregano tang. Native Americans traditionally used bee balm as a seasoning for wild game—particularly fowl—but it also goes well with lamb.

Does bee balm bloom more than once?

As the flowers begin to wilt and fade, cut just above the next flower bud. Continue to cut throughout the season as needed until the stem has finished flowering. Once a stem is finished flowering, trim it back to the ground. This will help the flower to produce another blossoming stem.

Which bergamot is used in Earl GREY tea?

Earl Grey is one of the most recognized flavored teas in the world. This quintessentially British tea is typically a black tea base flavored with oil from the rind of bergamot orange, a citrus fruit with the appearance and flavor somewhere between an orange and a lemon with a little grapefruit and lime thrown in.

Can you eat bergamot flowers?

Wild Bergamot Edible Uses. The whole of the plant parts above the ground (aerial parts) is edible.

Is bergamot related to lavender?

Long prized by Native Americans as an herbal remedy and garnish, sprinkled on meats and in beverages, lavender bergamot (also known as wild bergamot, or Monarda fistulosa) is a native plant in the mint family, characterized by square stems and leaves that sit exactly opposite each other along the stem.

What animal eats bee balm?

But birds don't only enjoy Bee Balm in summer.

The nutlet attracts finches, sparrows, juncos, redpolls, among other species.

Can bee balm be used as tea?

Bee balm tea can be made from both fresh and dried leaves. I find the flavor of tea made from Monarda didyma to be rather strong. To make tea, start with about 1-teaspoon of crushed, dried bee balm leaves per 8-ounce cup of boiling water. Steep for at least 5 minutes and drink like regular tea.

What part of bee balm is used for tea?

Bee Balm Tea

The individual petals of bee balm flowers pull out easily and can be dried to make a beautiful bright red tea. In season, the petals can also be used fresh.

What does bee balm tea taste like?

What Does Bee Balm Tea Taste Like? I really love the taste of bee balm tea. If you've never tried it, it has a slightly minty flavor. That makes sense since monarda is in the mint family, but the flavor is milder than other varieties.

Do bergamot plants smell?

Like other fragrances from the citrus family, bergamot does have that classic sweet-yet-tart smell. However, bergamot also brings its own floral, spicy edge to the acidically appealing scent. It's highly fragrant and, in fact, bergamot is what gives Earl Grey tea its notable scent.

What herb is in Earl GREY?

Bergamot tea, also known as Earl Grey tea, is typically made from black tea leaves and dried bergamot extract.

Is Lemon balm the same as bee balm?

Bee Balm and Lemon Balm are not the same plant but both are members of the mint family, Lamiaceae. The visual difference is Bee Balm is larger and produces deep red flowers while Lemon Balm is smaller and has small white flowers.

Does bee balm attract wasps?

Monarda fistulosa

Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.

Is bee balm invasive?

If you're asking whether bee balm can be aggressive, then the answer is yes – especially in its ideal growing environment with moist soil in a full sun to part shade location. However, it is not technically deemed invasive everywhere.