wild bergamot

Wild bergamot is a common and widespread, late season wildflower. It is found in prairies, fields, upland woods, and thickets. It grows under full to partial sun in dry, moderately moist, or wet soil. Flowers appear from July to September.

Like other plants in the mint (Lamiaceae) family, wild bergamot leaves are fragrant. The pleasant scent has been described as “like oregano” or “minty”. Tear a leaf and breathe in the scent one time, and you will be strongly tempted to do it again whenever you encounter this plant.

Wild bergamot is a 2′ to 4′ tall, erect perennial. The stems are square, frequently branched near the top, and hairy near the top. The opposite leaves are lance-shaped, sparsely hairy above, and hairy along the veins below. The inflorescence is a single lavender, pale purple, or pink flower head at the end of the stem and and some of the branches.

Sources

2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 24, 28, 30.

I think white Bergamot flowers...

There were only a few that were surrounded by purple to purplish pink ones. So maybe thought they were just a less common white version. It was a little dryer out there at that time but there has been recent rains to green things up nicely.

Tall Cinquefoil with Bergamot both blooming

Eastern tiger swallowtail on wild bergamot

Joy Park summer wildflowers and insects are available for viewing

Rare white flowers

Location: Frenchman’s Bluff SNA

There were only a few that were surrounded by purple to purplish pink ones. So maybe thought they were just a less common white version. It was a little dryer out there at that time but there has been recent rains to green things up nicely.

Location: Woodbury, Minnesota

Location: Joy Park

Location: Joy Park

Joy Park summer wildflowers and insects are available for viewing

Location: Joy Park