Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

Pollinator Value

🐛 Larval Host: Eosphoropteryx thyatyroides, Anterastria teratophora, Pyrausta orphisalis, Lintneria eremitus, Orthodes majuscula, Papaipema nebris
S13+S15 6 verified Eastern NA
🐝 Specialist Bee Host: Perdita gerhardi, Protandrena abdominalis, Dufourea monardae
S17 3 Monarda-specialist bees from Fowler Eastern NA list

Proximity Score: 0
Native Status: ✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: Local
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
Rarity Notes: Globally secure (G5) and nationally secure in Canada (N5). Ranked S5 in Ontario and SNR in Quebec. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. Common throughout southern Ontario and widespread in Quebec with 58 herbarium specimens across multiple ecoregions.
S22 G5, N5, S5 ON, SNR QC; S26 not SARA listed; S48 58 QC specimens
Rarity Ranks: QC SNR – Not Ranked, ON S5 – Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: Wild bergamot inhabits dry open woods, prairies, fields, roadsides, and woodland edges across the Ottawa-Gatineau region. It thrives in well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky ground and tolerates a wide range of soils from acid to calcareous. Listed as sparse in the Hull-Ottawa flora (Gillett & White 1978) and recorded at five sites in the Brunton Ottawa Flora (2005), it is a characteristic component of open and semi-open habitats in the mixed wood shield.
S7 dry open sandy gravelly rocky ground, prairies, fields, roadsides; S4 dry open woods, edges; S63 sparse in Hull-Ottawa; S62 RS at 5 sites

Roles: Fortress/Barrier, Insectary Plant, Pollinator Attractor
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)] | Insectary Plant: S72 Hemenway (tables: 7-1, pp. 112); S64 NPPBI 'beneficial insects' flag] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [HIGH]: S64 Xerces listed (source-classified)]
Notes: Wild bergamot is a strong insectary plant that attracts beneficial insects including lady beetles and other predators. Its dense rhizomatous habit fills gaps in plantings and suppresses weeds. Aromatic foliage provides some deer and rabbit deterrence. Tolerates juglone, making it suitable near black walnut. Best planted in full sun with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
S72 Table 7-1 insectary, beneficial insects=LB (lady beetles); S29 attracts wildlife; S3 juglone tolerant, deer/rabbit resistant

Category: Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Analgesic, Febrifuge, Respiratory Aid, Dermatological Aid, Stimulant
S28 Moerman categories; S29 carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant; S36 Health Canada approved herbal name
Notes: Extensively used by multiple Indigenous nations including Cherokee, Blackfoot, Chippewa, Choctaw, and Crow. Cherokee used leaf tea for colic, flatulence, colds, fevers, heart trouble, and insomnia. Blackfoot applied poultices to boils and cuts, chewed roots for swollen glands, and used infusions for coughs and kidney ailments. The plant contains thymol and bergamot essential oil. Health Canada lists it as an approved natural health product (whole plant, fresh or dry). Modern herbalism uses infusions for digestive complaints and bronchial conditions.
S28 44 Drug uses across 10+ nations; S29 traditional medicine details; S36 NHPID approved herbal name

✅ Edible

Foraging Notes: Leaves and flowers are edible raw or cooked. The entire above-ground plant can be used as a potherb, though strongly aromatic. Fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing tea (Oswego tea). Leaves also used as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods; flowers make an attractive edible garnish. Cherokee, Blackfoot, and other Indigenous peoples used the species as food.
S29 leaves raw/cooked, tea, flavoring, garnish; S4 leaves for tea and seasoning; S28 Cherokee Food uses