Lemon bergamot, Lemon mint
Monarda citriodora

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A hairy herb. It grows for one or two years. It grows 60 cm high. The leaves are narrow and sword shaped. They can be 5 cm long. They have small teeth along the edge. They are mid green in colour. The flowers are in clusters forming a head. These can be 3-4 cm across. They are curved tubes. There can be several along a stem. The flowers are white or pink with purple spots.

There are 15 Monarda species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can tolerate frost. It can grow up to at least 2,000 m altitude in Texas. It suits hardiness zone 5.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The lemon flavoured leaves can be used for flavouring. They are also used for tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed, cuttings or division. Plants should be spaced 20-25 cm apart.

Its other names

Local names

Lemon bee-balm, Plains horsemint

Synonyms

Monarda aristata Nutt. Monarda dispersa Small; and others