Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Late-Summer Wildflowers

Chris Grondahl photo: Wild bergamot (inset shows top view of flower)
Chris Grondahl Wild bergamot
(Monarda fistulosa)
Distribution: statewide
Habitat: locally common on moist to medium prairies, wooded draws and thickets
Flowers: lavender-pink in color, flowers occur in dense clusters at the end of the stem, foliage has mint odor, square stem and opposite leaves, plants occur in colonies
Height: 2-4 feet
Blooms: July and early August
Family name: Mint (Lamiaceae)
Other names: Horsemint, Beebalm
Plant uses and other interesting facts: Plains Indians made tea from this plant to treat intestinal ailments and skin eruptions. Foliage used to scent closets, drawers, pillows etc. Also used in the popular Earl Gray tea.

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