Oswego Tea

This N American genus contains about 15 species of annuals and clump-forming perennials, found mainly in prairies, dry scrub, and woodland. Monarda didyma and M. fistulosa, and their hybrids, such as 'Cambridge Scarlet' are deservedly popular as garden plants. The brightly colored flowers attract butterflies and, where present, hummingbirds; when dried, individual florets make a colorful and fragrant addition to potpourris. Monardas are known as bergamots, because their aroma resembles that of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia See, Bergamot Orange), and also as horsemints. Monarda fistulosa was widely used by native N Americans for bronchial complaints and as a seasoning for meat, and M.punctata was listed in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia (1820-82) as a digestive and anti-rheumatic. The volatile oil is rich in thymol (as found in Thymus vulvaris, See Thyme), a potent antiseptic and expectorant; M. didyma is famous as the source of "Oswego tea", named after and area near Lake Ontario, where it grew abundantly. Other species include the mauve-flowered M. austromontana, with oregano-flowered leaves, used with meat dishes in Mexico. Also oregano-like is M. fistulosa var. menthaefolia, rich in geraniol, a compound more commonly associated with Pelargonium species (See, Wild Geranium). Monarda is named after Nicholas Monardes of Seville, a physician and botanist who was author of the first European book on American medicinal plants, translated into English in 1577 as Joyfull News out of the newe founde Worlde.

Aromatic perennial with erect, 4-angles stems and ovate, toothed leaves to 14cm (5½in long). Bright red, claw-shaped flowrs, to 4.5cm (1¾in) long, with red-green bracts are produced in terminal whorls in summer.

Common Name:	Oswego Tea
Other Names:	Bee Balm, Bergamot
Botanical Name:	Monarda didyma
Genus:	Monarda
Family:	Lamiaceae
Native Location:	Eastern N America
Cultivation:	Rich, moist soil in sun (Monarda didyma); sandy or rocky soil in sun (M. citriodora); light, dry, alkaline soil in sun (M. fistulosa and M. punctata). M. didyma is prone to mildew in dry conditions.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring or autumn; by division in spring; by softwood cuttings in early summer.
Harvest:	Plants are cut when flowering, and leaves before flowering, and used fresh or dried for infusions.
Height:	40cm-1.2m (16-48in)
Width:	45cm (18in)
Hardiness:	Z4-10
Parts Used:	Whole Plant, Leaves, Flowers
Properties:	An aromatic, stimulant, expectorant herb that lowers fever and benefits the digestion.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for minor digestive complaints.
Culinary Uses:	Fresh or dried leaves and flower-heads are infused as tea, and give an Earl Grey flavor to China tea and iced drinks. Flowers are added to salads.
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg.280