I’ve been admiring and photographing these for years, calling them Dr. Seuss flowers for their interesting shape. But their real name is wild bergamot, also bee balm or Oswego tea, the latter giving you some idea of their use. Wild bergamot isn’t actually related to bergamot, known by most people as the flavoring in Earl Grey tea. Wild bergamot was used by Indians for combating colds and flu, as an antiseptic for skin infections and minor wounds, and to treat mouth infections, bad breath, and flatulence. Quite a bit more useful than merely gracing the world with funky-looking flowers!
Just FYI…it’s actually still Thursday, but I somehow scheduled two posts today. Not quite the weekend yet, unfortunately, but enjoy the day anyway!
This, that and the other thing 