lemon balm
ExplorePlants
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
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Scent Shield
Lemon balm produces a strong lemony scent that helps it defend against some insect pests.
Ability
Nectar Beacon
Lemon balm flowers produce abundant nectar that helps it reproduce by attracting vital pollinators like bees.
Ability
Spreading Roots
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
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Watch
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
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Sweet balm
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before tasting any plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is lemon balm?
30-90 cm
How wide does lemon balm spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on lemon balm?
0.5-1 cm
When does lemon balm bloom?
Summer
Is lemon balm edible?
Yes
Is lemon balm toxic?
None
What is lemon balm's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is lemon balm pollinated?
Insect
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