Is Bergamot the Same as Bee Balm? Clearing Up the Confusion
People often get the two plants bergamot and bee balm mixed up because their common names sound alike. However, they are actually quite distinct despite some overlapping characteristics. This article will clear up any confusion about these two plants and show you how they are different.
What is Bergamot?
When people refer to bergamot, they are usually talking about the citrus fruit that produces bergamot essential oil. Botanically known as Citrus bergamia, this small, round fruit looks like a lime or orange Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the rind of the fruit grown primarily in Italy The oil features a bright, citrusy aroma and is commonly found in Earl Grey tea.
What is Bee Balm?
Bee balm is the common name for flowering herb plants in the Monarda genus, including Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa. Native to North America, bee balm is identifiable by its scarlet, pink, purple, or white flower petals that attract bees. Bee balm has a minty fragrance and the leaves can be used to make herbal tea. It was used medicinally by Native Americans.
Why the Confusion?
When European settlers came across bee balm in America, the scent reminded them of bergamot fruit. So they nicknamed the plant “bergamot” due to the similar citrusy aroma. Over time, the names bergamot and bee balm became interchangeable, creating ample confusion.
Key Differences Between Bergamot and Bee Balm
While their scents overlap, bergamot and bee balm differ significantly:
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Plant families: Bergamot is a citrus (Rutaceae) while bee balm is a mint (Lamiaceae)
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Parts used: Bergamot oil comes from the fruit rind. Bee balm uses the leaves and flowers.
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Compounds: Bergamot contains limonene. Bee balm has aromatics like thymol.
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Products: Bergamot yields essential oil. Bee balm gives an herbal infusion.
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Uses: Bergamot oil benefits skin and mood. Bee balm serves as an internal remedy.
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Precautions: Bergamot oil is phototoxic. Bee balm tea has no known side effects.
Getting the Right One
If you want to find real bergamot or bee balm, make sure you look for the correct botanical name. For bergamot essential oil, look for Citrus bergamia. If you want to buy bee balm herb, look for Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa from a trustworthy store.
The Takeaway
Even though their names and smells are similar, bergamot and bee balm are two different plants that are used in different ways. You can now get pure bergamot or bee balm because you know how to tell the difference between fruity oil and flower herb oil. That’s it! You now have the exact aromatics and herbs you need.
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How to Grow Wild Bergamot (a.k.a Bee balm) – Complete Growing Guide
FAQ
What is another name for bergamot?
Bergamot has several other names depending on whether you’re referring to the citrus fruit or the herb. The citrus fruit, Citrus bergamia, is also known as bergamot orange or bergamot lemon.
Why is bee balm called bergamot?
Bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, and oswego tea are some of the common names for this plant. The name “bergamot” comes from the smell of the leaves, which is similar to bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). The genus was named for the Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes, who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants of the New World.
Is wild bergamot bee balm invasive?
This means your bee balm will eventually be far from where you planted it. So, if you are asking the question, “is bee balm invasive,” the answer would be yes, under suitable conditions. Luckily, bee balm is very forgiving.
What’s another name for bee balm?
Bee balm is also commonly known as bergamot, Oswego tea, or wild bergamot. The scientific name for bee balm is Monarda.
Is bee balm a bergamot?
Bee balm belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family and shares more characteristics in common with its fellow plant family members – such as peppermint, lavender, and sage – than that of its fruity namesake bergamot. Bee balm is a herb native to the woodlands and fields of North America.
What does a Bergamot fruit look like?
Bergamot fruit resembles a small orange in appearance, except for the color. If you want to know the scientific name for bergamot, the plant is called Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa. It is commonly referred to by its English name of bergamot or bee balm (because of its tendency to attract bees). What is a bee balm?.
Does bergamot attract bees?
In the world of plants, bergamot is called Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family. The English name for it is “bee balm,” which comes from the fact that it attracts bees. What does Bergamot fruit look like? Bergamot fruit resembles a small orange in appearance, except for the color.
Can you grow bergamot & bee balm together?
A: Yes, all three herbs can be grown in gardens. Bee balm and wild bergamot are hardy perennials that thrive in full sun to partial shade. Bergamot is a citrus tree that requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. Q: Are bee balm, bergamot, and wild bergamot safe to consume? A: Bee balm and wild bergamot are generally safe for consumption.
What is bergamot used for?
Culinary Uses: While not as commonly used in cooking as bee balm, bergamot zest can add a tangy citrus twist to desserts and beverages. Bergamot is also used to flavor liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages. Wild bergamot, scientifically known as *Monarda fistulosa*, is a close relative of bee balm.
What does bee balm smell like?
Bee balm is said to have a scent reminiscent of the bergamot fruit. When European settlers came across the herb growing in the Americas, they nicknamed it “bergamot” due to the similar citrusy aroma. Over time, the common name bergamot became interchangeably used for both the North American herb and the Italian citrus fruit.