Monarda is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family; Lamiaceae. The genus is endemic to North America.

Common names include bee balm; horsemint; oswego tea; and bergamot; the latter inspired by the fragrance of the leaves; which is reminiscent of bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). The genus was named for the Spanish botanist Nicol醩 Monardes; who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants of the New World. Pictures From History