Monarda fistulosa, also known as Bergamot, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan and the UP. Bergamot is a native bee balm that reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and flowers from July to September with a lavender blossom, beloved by pollinators.

It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, wet to dry soil and will grow in muck, clay, loam or sand; basically, everywhere. Bergamot is a pollinator favorite and attracts some of our more interesting butterflies and bees. It is also visited by hummingbirds and can be an important mid-season food source.