_Monarda fistulosa_
_Flowers_--Extremely variable, purplish lavender, magenta, rose, pink,
yellowish pink, or whitish, dotted; clustered in a solitary, nearly flat
terminal head. Calyx tubular, narrow, 5-toothed, very hairy within.
Corolla 1 to 1-1/2 in. long, tubular, 2-lipped, upper lip erect,
toothed; lower lip spreading, 3-lobed, middle lobe longest; 2
anther-bearing stamens protruding; 1 pistil; the style 2-lobed. _Stem:_
2 to 3 ft. high, rough, branched. _Leaves:_ Opposite, lance-shaped,
saw-edged, on slender petioles; aromatic; bracts and upper leaves
whitish or the color of flower.
_Preferred Habitat_--Open woods, thickets, dry rocky hills.
_Flowering Season_--June-September.
_Distribution_--Eastern Canada and Maine, westward to Minnesota, south
to Gulf of Mexico.
Only a few bergamot flowers open at a time; the rest of the slightly
rounded head, thickly set with hairy calices, looks as if it might be
placed in a glass cup and make an excellent penwiper. If the cultivated
human eye (and stomach) revolt at magenta, it is ever a favorite shade
with butterflies. They flutter in ecstasy over the gay flowers; indeed,
they are the principal visitors and benefactors, for the erect corollas,
exposed organs, and level-topped heads are well adapted to their
requirements.