Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot, is a native perennial wildflower found in prairies, savannas, woodland edges, and open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, tolerating dry to moderately moist conditions, which makes it an adaptable and popular choice for native gardens and pollinator plantings.
This clump-forming plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and features square stems and opposite, aromatic leaves with a minty fragrance. From mid to late summer, it produces dense, tufted clusters of tubular, lavender to pale pink flowers that resemble shaggy pom-poms. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, especially bumblebees and swallowtails.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Monarda fistulosa is a vibrant and ecologically valuable addition to wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and pollinator habitats. It offers long-lasting blooms, supports a wide range of beneficial insects, and pairs beautifully with other sun-loving natives like Purple Coneflower, Blazingstar, and Black-Eyed Susan. Its fragrant foliage also helps deter deer and other browsing animals.
Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot, is a native perennial wildflower found in prairies, savannas, woodland edges, and open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, tolerating dry to moderately moist conditions, which makes it an adaptable and popular choice for native gardens and pollinator plantings.
This clump-forming plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and features square stems and opposite, aromatic leaves with a minty fragrance. From mid to late summer, it produces dense, tufted clusters of tubular, lavender to pale pink flowers that resemble shaggy pom-poms. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, especially bumblebees and swallowtails.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Monarda fistulosa is a vibrant and ecologically valuable addition to wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and pollinator habitats. It offers long-lasting blooms, supports a wide range of beneficial insects, and pairs beautifully with other sun-loving natives like Purple Coneflower, Blazingstar, and Black-Eyed Susan. Its fragrant foliage also helps deter deer and other browsing animals.
Bloom: mid-summer
Habitats: abandoned pastures; borders of limestone glades; hill prairies; landfills; moist to slightly dry black soil prairies; sandy Black Oak woodlands; savannas and woodland borders; thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to slightly dry
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: moist rich loam
