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Bee Balm, (aka Bergamot, or Oswego Tea), wild flower from the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

In a state park north of Asheville, NC, we found waterfalls, and along the side of a path, a cluster of Bee Balm plants with these beautiful red, star shaped flower. Genus species name is Monarda didyma. It was used by Native Americans as a medicinal plant that is supposed to be good for fever, stomach problems, and restful sleep. It's a member of the mint family and has a strong minty flavor. It was a spectactular find deep in the woods of North Carolina.

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Uploaded on January 20, 2010
Taken on July 19, 2009