Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a North American mint whose shaggy, firework-like crowns of scarlet tubular flowers and oregano-and-citrus–scented leaves are both edible. Long known as Oswego tea and as "wild bergamot" for its Earl-Grey-like fragrance, it is used fresh as a tea, a fragrant garnish and a colourful flavouring in salads, jellies and baking.