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Bastard Balm

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

Appearance

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.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusMelittis
Bastard Balm
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgesummer_blooming trait badge
Bastard Balm

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

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!

Special abilities

Ability

Scented Charm

Bastard Balm can release a sweet, lemon-like fragrance that helps it attract specific pollinators like bees from far away.

Ability

Hairy Defense

Bastard Balm has soft, hairy stems and leaves that help protect it from some hungry insects and retain moisture in dry spells.

Ability

Two-Lipped Trap

Bastard Balm has uniquely shaped, two-lipped flowers that guide insect pollinators directly to its pollen, ensuring successful reproduction.

Measurements & details

Height
20-60 cm
Spread
20-40 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Drinks nectar and collects pollen.

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

One of its primary insect visitors.

pollinates

White-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus lucorum

Another common pollinator species.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Bastard Balm?

20-60 cm

How wide does Bastard Balm spread?

20-40 cm

How big are the flowers on Bastard Balm?

2-3 cm

When does Bastard Balm bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Bastard Balm edible?

No

Is Bastard Balm toxic?

None

What is Bastard Balm's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Bastard Balm pollinated?

Insect

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