Wild Bergamot vs Yellow Hedysarum - TreeTime.ca

Wild Bergamot vs Yellow Hedysarum

Monarda fistulosa

Hedysarum sulphurescens

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Wild Bergamot
Yellow Hedysarum

Wild Bergamot is a native perennial wildflower that is known for its fragrant lilac-purple tubular flowers. The flowers grow in dense terminal heads and bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new blooms, prolonging its display. They attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also serves as a host plant for the Raspberry Pyrausta (Pyrausta signatalis) butterfly.

Wild Bergamot belongs to the mint family, and its leaves, stems, and flowers are all edible. The leaves can be used to make tea or as a flavorful herb, with a taste often described as a blend of oregano and thyme.

It is resistant to deer and rabbits but can be susceptible to powdery mildew if planted too densely with poor air circulation. Wild Bergamot tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils, making it a low-maintenance addition to a variety of projects. It is well suited for pollinator gardens, wildflower gardens and naturalization projects.

Yellow Hedysarum is a native perennial wildflower recognized for its clusters of pale yellow to creamy-white, pea-like blooms. Flowering from late spring into summer, it adds subtle colour to grasslands, roadsides, and open woods while attracting a variety of pollinators, especially bumblebees.

As a nitrogen-fixing plant, Yellow Hedysarum enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding vegetation. Its deep taproot and extensive root system make it drought-tolerant and effective at stabilizing soil. Grizzly bears are known to dig up and eat the nutritious taproot. Its resilience and ecological value make it well-suited for restoration, naturalization, pollinator gardens, and erosion control projects.

Wild Bergamot Quick Facts

Yellow Hedysarum Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: ascending to upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none


Flowers: lavendar purple; tubular
Flowers: creamy yellow, in dense spikes
Bloom time: mid summer to early fall
Bloom time: late spring to summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC
Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: bee balm, eastern bergamot, oswego-tea, purple beebalm, wild horsemint
Other Names: sulphur hedysarum, sulphur sweet-vetch, yellow sweet-vetch