Prairie Plant Gallery

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae) that grows in sunny conditions throughout the Arboretum.  This species can be identified by its square stem and purple, tube-like flowers clustered on a flower head.  While mammalian herbivores tend to avoid this plant, Wild Bergamot’s nectar attracts a diverse group of insect pollinators including butterflies, bees, flies, and hummingbird moths.  Wild Bergamot typically blooms between mid-June to early August.