Flower for the Day Monarda 8-15-25

The monarda (Monarda fistulas) has been spotty compared to previous years. It is a wild native in the mint family and is also called bee balm and wild bergamot. It grows from rhizomes and occurs in clumps.

 

Its leaves are lance-shaped, and toothed. Its compact flower clusters contain 20-50 flowers. 

Wild bergamot is considered a medicinal plant by many Native Americans. The Oneida call it "Number Six", in honor of it being "the sixth medicine given by the Creator". Other nations that use it include the Menominee, the Ojibwe, and the Winebago. It is used most commonly to treat colds and the flu, and is frequently made into a tea. 

 Humming Bird with Monarda Blossom

Hover, flick then flick, in taut midair,   Inhaling nectar from each blossom tube,   A pearly string of moments here and now.  You're motionless above Monarda and  (despite the widespread rumors you have wings)  I see two blurs of gossamer. Nothing moves   And everything hovers, for just a beat,   The whole world too, which holds its ragged breath   And stops to look. You can count on one hand   The moments like that, but when they occur  There's no question what must be done and felt:  Drop everything. Pay homage. Watch in awe. 

John Backman