




Melittis melissophyllum
Bastard Balm is a lovely plant with soft, fuzzy leaves and pretty flowers. It likes to grow in shady places and can attract bees and butterflies, making it a favorite in gardens.
Habitat: Forests
The Bastard Balm has distinctive two-lipped flowers, often white with purple or pink markings, emerging from leaf axils. Its upright stems are covered in soft, hairy, dark green leaves, giving the plant a textured appearance.





Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Even though it looks delicate, this plant can thrive for many years, returning to bloom in the same spot each spring!
Its quirky name "Bastard Balm" might come from its resemblance to true balm mint but not being quite the same!
Some cultures traditionally believed its sweet scent had calming properties, using it for peaceful feelings.
The intricate pattern on its lower flower lip acts like a landing strip, guiding bees straight to its nectar prize!
Bastard Balm can release a sweet, lemon-like fragrance that helps it attract specific pollinators like bees from far away.
Bastard Balm has soft, hairy stems and leaves that help protect it from some hungry insects and retain moisture in dry spells.
Bastard Balm has uniquely shaped, two-lipped flowers that guide insect pollinators directly to its pollen, ensuring successful reproduction.
Apis mellifera
Drinks nectar and collects pollen.
Bombus terrestris
One of its primary insect visitors.
Bombus lucorum
Another common pollinator species.
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants without asking an adult first.
20-60 cm
20-40 cm
2-3 cm
Late spring to early summer
No
None
Perennial
Insect
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