Native bergamot to Western US. Used medicinally for respiratory illness and influenza. Use the lavender flowers and dried or fresh leaves in teas or tinctures to reduce fever, soothe sore throat, dispel flatulence and more. This herb is known for its antiseptic, stimulant, diuretic and diaphoretic properties. As a beneficial garden herb it attracts many great pollinators to the garden and is also known as Bee Balm. This hardy perennial dies back in the winter and will survive temps into the teens while requiring little to average water in the summer months. Perennial.