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.

Overview of bee balm flowers, Monarda fistulosa var menthifolia. The photo shows the characteristic shape of many mint flowers. Photo taken on 15 July 2004 on the Columbine Canyon to the Meadows Trail.

Overview of bee balm stem, Monarda fistulosa var menthifolia. The photo shows the opposite leaves and gives a hint of the square stem that is characteristic of mints. Photo taken on 15 July 2004 on the Columbine Canyon to the Meadows Trail.