Oswego tea

American  

noun

1. a North American plant, Monarda didyma, of the mint family, having a cluster of showy, bright-red tubular flowers.

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Etymology

Origin of Oswego tea

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55

Example Sentences

In our botanic garden was planted a patch six feet across of what is known as Oswego tea, bee balm, or red-flowered bergamot, an interesting plant with considerable beauty.

From Seed Dispersal by Beal, W. J. (William James)

The two prepared a magnificent repast; the two little peccaries, kangaroo soup, smoked ham, pistachio nuts, dragon-tree wine, Oswego tea; in a word, everything of the best.

From The Mysterious Island by White, Stephen W.

Thoreau, who objected to this name, thought flame flower a better one, the name the Indians gave to Oswego tea; but here the floral bracts, not the flowers themselves, are on fire.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje

A fire of brushwood and dried seaweed was lighted, and Neb prepared the breakfast of cold meat, to which he added some cups of Oswego tea.

From The Mysterious Island by Verne, Jules

Besides these medicinal herbs, he added a plant known in North America as "Oswego tea," which made an excellent beverage.

From The Mysterious Island by Verne, Jules