Wild Bergamot is a native perennial wildflower in the mint family. It is known for its showy clusters of fragrant, lavender-pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. With its aromatic foliage and tubular flowers, it attracts a variety of pollinators, making it a staple in prairie, meadow, and garden ecosystems.

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Growth Habits & Characteristics:

• Height: 2–4 feet

• Spread: 1–3 feet

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Preferences: Well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soils; drought-tolerant

• Lifespan: Perennial

• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July–September)

• Water Needs: Low to moderate; tolerates dry conditions once established

• Growth Habit: Clump-forming, with square stems and lance-shaped, aromatic leaves

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Host Insect:

Serves as a host plant for the Hermit Sphinx moth (Lintneria eremitus).

Pollinator Importance:

• Attracts bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and long-tongued bees.

• Highly favored by butterflies, skippers, and hummingbirds for its nectar-rich flowers.

• Supports beneficial predatory insects like wasps that help control pests.

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Companion Plants:

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Complements with bold purple blooms and attracts pollinators.

• Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) – Adds bright yellow contrast and extends the blooming season.

• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) – Provides nectar for butterflies and thrives in similar conditions.

• Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) – Offers a tall, spiky contrast and attracts Monarch butterflies.

• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – A native grass that pairs well and provides winter interest.

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Ecological Importance:

• Pollinator Magnet: Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• Host Plant: Supports native moth larvae and beneficial insects.

• Drought Resilience: Thrives in dry, poor soils, making it valuable for prairie and meadow restoration.

• Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for its antimicrobial and respiratory benefits.

• Biodiversity Booster: Contributes to healthy ecosystems by supporting a wide range of insects and wildlife.