lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm is a sweet-smelling plant that belongs to the mint family. It has bright green leaves that can make your garden smell wonderful and is often used in teas.

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The lemon balm has bright green, wrinkly leaves that are heart-shaped with scalloped edges, growing on square stems. Its tiny, pale white or yellowish flowers cluster where leaves meet the stem. It looks similar to mint but has a distinct lemony fragrance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusMelissa

lemon balm

Interesting facts

Ancient Roman soldiers used its leaves to make soothing wound dressings.

Crushing a leaf releases a strong, fresh lemon candy smell!

It was once believed to banish sadness and bring joy to the heart!

Its scientific name 'Melissa' means 'honey bee' in ancient Greek!

Special abilities

Lemon balm produces a strong lemony scent that helps it defend against some insect pests.

Lemon balm flowers produce abundant nectar that helps it reproduce by attracting vital pollinators like bees.

Lemon balm can spread rapidly using underground runners, helping it colonize new areas and thrive.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-90 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season: Summer
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen

symbiotic with

Human

Homo sapiens

Cultivated for tea, medicine, and scent

eaten by

Grey Field Slug

Deroceras reticulatum

Chews on its soft, fragrant leaves

Traits

Aromatic

Sniff out plants that release wonderful smells into the air! Their delightful fragrances attract pollinators or deter unwelcome visitors.

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Medicinal

Discover special plants that people have used for centuries to help them feel better or stay healthy, often found in nature's own medicine cabinet.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.