Overview of bee balm, Monarda fistulosa var menthifolia. This is a very pretty mint, with it's colorful lavender-pink flowers. It's available for flower gardens and I have some growing at home. A guide taking a group along the trail called it by one of its common names, wild oregano. It's also known as mint-leaved bergamot, mint-scented bee balm, and oswego tea. Photo taken on 15 July 2004 on the Columbine Canyon to the Meadows Trail.