Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a perennial flowering herb in the Lamiaceae family native to North America. It forms upright square stems with fragrant leaves and shaggy lavender flower heads that attract pollinators. The leaves and flowering tops are the parts most often used in traditional preparations.
In traditional North American herbal practice, bergamot was used as a warming aromatic herb in teas, steam preparations, and infused oils. The leaves and flowering tops have long been valued in household herb use and are also known for their pleasant flavor.
Although its name resembles the bergamot orange, this plant is a North American Monarda rather than a citrus tree.
