Bergeoning Bergamot

The Wild Bergamot are opening.  Some plants have so many names - this one included.  It is sometimes called Mint-leaf Bea Balm, or Bee Balm or Horsemint.  Watch this one, it is a favorite of the clear-wing moths.  

Enjoy!

~ Robin

November 14, 15 Overflow

Swallowtail Tale

There are some things that were abundant last year, but seemingly missing this year.   As I started my walk this morning, I wondered if I might find them.  To my pleasant surprise, toward the end of my walk, my missing Swallowtail (Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, male) was discovered enjoying Bee Balm.  He was not the most cooperative, laying low and hiding among the leaves and flowers.  After a short time, a Monarch also discovered the Swallowtail and chased him away.  Monarchs are territorial? Maybe!

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Bee Balm, Patriotic Tea

This bursting 'fireworks' bloom is Wild Bergamot, also known as Bee Balm.  Many Native Americans have long used  this and other varieties of this plant for food and medicine, often as a tea.  They introduced this plant to the Shakers and during the time after the Boston Tea Party, many colonists used this as a substitute for English tea.

Enjoy!

~ Robin