Monarda fistulosa
When most gardeners think of Bee Balm they relate to the more popular North Eastern U.S.species with red flowers. AKA Oswego Tea. (Monarda didyma), was used as a beverage by the Oswego tribe of American Indians and was one of the drinks adopted by American colonists during their boycott of British tea. It eventually made its way into a tea blend called "Earl Grey" . Monarda fistulosa is our western Bee Balm that naturalizes happily in meadows and perennial gardens throughout the mountain west. This deer proof perennial will attract pollinators to its lavender colored flowers while providing a striking display of floral beauty in mid summer. Unlike some perennial mints, it's fairly easy to grow from seed. A lovely botanical. Worth growing.