species 27,008 observations

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Field notes

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family. It has lemon-scented leaves, white or pale pink flowers, and contains essential oils and compounds, such as geranial and neral.

It grows to a maximum height of 1 m (3+1⁄2 ft). The species is native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and Iran. It is naturalized worldwide. It grows easily from seed in rich, moist soil.

The genus name Melissa comes from the Ancient Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa, 'honey bee'), due to the plant's bee-attracting flowers. The epithet from Latin officinalis refers to its traditional use in apothecaries. It has been cultivated (and used to attract honey bees) since at least the 16th century. It is used as an ornamental plant, as a raw or cooked herb in various foods, and in teas, and aromatic essential oils.