Common Balm

Melissa officinalis
Lamiaceae

Growth Habit

Herbaceous

Description

Upright pubescent perennial reaching 2' in height. Leaves broadly ovate, often cordate, 1" to 3" long,crenate-serrate, petioled, lemon-scented; verticillasters 4- to 12-flowered, calyx to 1/4" long, teeth mucronate, lower teeth longer, corolla about 1/2" long, white; summer-blooming.

Source of plant

Audry O'Connor

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

fragrance, medicinal/pharmaceutical, other ethnobotanical uses, bee plant