--- title: "Bergamot" id: "1730" type: "herb" slug: "bergamot" published_at: "2026-03-28T23:46:01+00:00" modified_at: "2026-06-15T04:16:22+00:00" url: "https://flowersandherbs.com/plants/bergamot/" markdown_url: "https://flowersandherbs.com/plants/bergamot.md" excerpt: "Bergamot is a fragrant North American herb traditionally used in teas, steams, and household preparations. The leaves and flowers are valued for their warming aromatic quality. Known botanically as Monarda fistulosa, it is also called wild bergamot or bee balm." taxonomy_herb_type: - "Fruit" --- # Bergamot Citrus Tree Benefits & Uses (Citrus bergamia) Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) is a small citrus tree best known for its highly fragrant yellow-green fruit. The peel of the fruit is used to produce bergamot essential oil, which has a bright citrus aroma with soft floral notes. The bergamot fruit is not usually eaten like a sweet orange. Instead, it is valued for its aromatic rind, which is used in perfumery, natural fragrance, flavoring, and essential oil production. Bergamot is also famously associated with the flavor of Earl Grey tea. Bergamot orange is different from wild bergamot or bee balm, which belongs to the Monarda genus. This page is about the citrus tree, Citrus bergamia, and the fruit used to make bergamot essential oil. **Essential Oil:***[Bergamot Essential Oil](/essential-oils/bergamot-essential-oil//) .* **Recipes & remedies:***[Bergamot Remedies and Recipes](/remedy-ingredient/bergamot-essential-oil/) .* ### Bergamot History and its not just Earl Grey Tea Bergamot is best known for its fragrant peel oil, which has long been valued in tea, perfume, and aromatic preparations. Its most famous culinary use is Earl Grey tea, where bergamot gives black tea its distinctive floral citrus aroma. The exact origin of Earl Grey is often told as legend, but the connection between bergamot and tea helped make this small citrus fruit known far beyond southern Italy. I am a true fan of Earl Grey tea, its delicious. Bergamot also has an interesting history in essential oil production. Before modern extraction methods, the aromatic oil was traditionally obtained from the peel by hand, using slow pressing methods and natural sponges to collect the essence. In the 19th century, the invention of the [macchina calabrese, or Calabrian machine](https://www.consorziodituteladelbergamotto.it/everything-on-bergamotto/a-king-at-the-court-of-the-sun-king/the-invention-of-the-macchina-calabrese-calabrian-machine/?lang=en) , helped mechanize bergamot oil extraction and strengthened Calabria’s role as the heart of commercial bergamot oil production. Bergamot has traditionally been used to support: - Aromatic teas for seasonal comfort - Traditional steam preparations - Warming digestive herbal blends - Herbal gargles and mouth rinses - Infused oils and external herbal washes Historically, wild bergamot was used in Native North American and settler herbal traditions as a fragrant tea herb. It became especially well known as Oswego tea and is still appreciated as both a garden plant and a traditional household herb. #### Easy Bergamot Preparation Methods Bergamot can be prepared in several traditional ways: **Tea** The dried or fresh bergamot leaves and flowers may be steeped in hot water to prepare an aromatic herbal tea. **Part of the plant used:***Leaves and flowering tops* **Steam** The fragrant aerial parts may be added to hot water for traditional herbal steam preparations. **Part of the plant used:***Leaves and flowering tops* **Infused Oil** The flowering tops may be infused into carrier oil for use in salves and other external herbal preparations. **Part of the plant used:***Flowering tops* [Bergamot Recipes using Bergamot Essential Oil](/remedy-ingredient/bergamot-essential-oil/) ##### Growing Bergamot and Shipping Restrictions in the USA Bergamot orange trees can be grown at home in the United States, but they need warm, citrus-friendly conditions. As a tender citrus tree, *Citrus bergamia* grows best outdoors in mild regions with plenty of sun, good drainage, and protection from frost. - Prefers full sun and warm growing conditions - Grows best in rich, well-drained soil or a quality citrus potting mix - Suitable outdoors in USDA zones 8–11, with best results in mild, frost-free climates - Can be grown in large containers in colder regions and moved indoors before frost - Needs protection from freezing temperatures and cold winter winds - Works well as a patio, greenhouse, sunroom, or conservatory citrus tree Because bergamot orange is a citrus tree, ordering live plants can be affected by agricultural quarantine rules. These restrictions are in place to help prevent the spread of citrus pests and diseases, and they can vary by state and nursery. Before buying a bergamot orange tree online, always check the supplier’s current shipping information and your state’s citrus import rules. For gardeners in the USA, bergamot orange trees are sometimes available from specialist citrus nurseries such as **[Four Winds Growers](https://www.fourwindsgrowers.com)**and**[Georgia Grown Citrus](https://www.georgiagrowncitrus.com/)**. Availability can change seasonally, so check the current listing, plant size, and shipping restrictions before ordering. ###### Bergamot Safety Considerations Bergamot has a long history of traditional use, however aromatic herbs may still cause sensitivity in some individuals. However: - Bergamot may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals when taken in larger amounts. - Topical preparations may irritate very sensitive skin, so patch testing is a sensible precaution. - Individuals with known sensitivities to plants in the mint family should use caution. - Concentrated essential-oil-type preparations should be used more carefully than a mild tea. - Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional before regular medicinal use. - Always consult a qualified professional before using herbs for health purposes. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. **Image Disclaimer:** Images are for reference only and should not be used as the sole method of identification. Always confirm identification with a qualified source. Frequently Asked Questions What is bergamot traditionally used for? Bergamot is traditionally used in aromatic teas, steam preparations, and household herbal blends for seasonal comfort and general warming support. What part of bergamot is used in herbal preparations? The leaves and flowering tops are the parts most often used. They are prepared fresh or dried for teas, steams, and infused oils. Can bergamot be made into tea? Yes. Wild bergamot is commonly prepared as an herbal tea made from the fragrant leaves and flowers. Is bergamot the same plant as the bergamot orange? No. Herbal bergamot usually refers to Monarda fistulosa, while the bergamot orange is a citrus fruit. They are different plants with different traditional uses. Can bergamot grow in the United States? Yes. Wild bergamot is native to North America and grows well in many US gardens, especially in USDA zones 3–9. Are there safety concerns with bergamot herb? Bergamot is generally treated as a mild herb, but aromatic plants may still cause sensitivity or stomach upset in some people, especially in concentrated preparations. ## Botanical Overview - **Botanical name:***Monarda fistulosa* - **Family:** Lamiaceae - **Plant type:** Citrus fruit tree - **Native region:** North America - **Common names:** Wild bergamot, bee balm, Oswego tea, horsemint **Herbs often mentioned with Bergamot** **Bergamot** is often discussed alongside [Thyme](/plants/thyme) , [Hyssop](/plants/hyssop) , and [Horehound](/plants/horehound) in traditional herbal writing. These aromatic herbs are often discussed together in traditional teas, steams, and seasonal household preparations because of their strongly scented leaves and warming character.