Horsemint, bee balm and some other genus name go with this wildflower, another that can get out of hand apparently, but this is the first time I remember seeing it and I’m pretty sure I’d remember it as it makes me laugh. They look silly – like a court jester’s hat – which is what I’ve been calling them in my head until I finally looked them up yesterday.

I read briefly about bee balm…that’s the name I like, but I’ll probably remember horsemint… – it has medicinal uses:

Bee Balm is edible and medicinal, the entire plant above ground is edible used as a pot herb, and it is also used as a flavoring in cooked foods. The flowers make an attractive edible garnish in salads. The plant is noted for its fragrance, and is a source of oil of thyme. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing aromatic and medicinal tea. An infusion of young Bee Balm leaves used to form a common beverage in many parts of the United States.

Bee Balm leaves and flowers and stems are used in alternative medicine as an antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stimulant. An infusion is medicinal used internally in the treatment of colds, catarrh, headaches, and gastric disorders, to reduce low fevers and soothe sore throat, to relieve flatulence, nausea, menstrual pain, and insomnia. Steam inhalation of the plant can be used for sore throats, and bronchial catarrh (inflammation of the mucus membrane, causing an increased flow of mucus). Externally, it is a medicinal application for skin eruptions and infections. Bergamot’s distinctive aroma, found in both the leaf and flower is wonderful for use in potpourri.

It appears to be something of a cure-all.

They have been blooming for some time and continue. At the moment, they are the only thing of color. But, I might just pick a few for my desk – a minty fragrance and a look that makes me laugh would be just the ticket for a Monday morning!

Photo taken 7/19/2010 at the edge of my woods