Monarda fistulosa ‘Rose-scented’ – Wild Bergamot

This form of a common North American old-field wildflower was discovered in Manitoba, Canada. It has particularly high concentrations of geraniol, a component of many essential oils, which gives the foliage a rose scent. Geraniol is used as a fragrance in personal care products and detergents and also to flavor drinks, ice cream, and candies. It’s also one of the most effective plant-based mosquito repellents – there are commercial products that use geraniol as an alternative to DEET.