Lemon Balm: An Herb Society of America Guide
Description
A member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) belongs to a genus which includes five species of perennial herbs native to Europe, central Asia and Iran. Although Melissa officinalis originated primarily in Southern Europe, it is now naturalized around the world, from North America to New Zealand (70). Lemon balm occurs naturally in sandy and scrubby areas (97, 104) but has also been reported to grow on damp wasteland, at elevations ranging from sea level to the mountains (15).
Over the years, many common names have been associated with M. officinalis, including balm, English balm, garden balm, balmmint, common balm, melissa, sweet balm, heart's delight and honey plant. Although M. officinalis has sometimes been called bee balm due to its traditional use for attracting honeybee swarms, it should not be confused with Monarda didyma, which also bears this common name.
There are two subspecies, M. officinalis subsp. officinalis, the common cultivated lemon balm; and M. officinalis subsp. altissima, naturalized in New Zealand and known as bush balm. Although M. o. subsp. officinalis is known for it's lemon fragrance, the scent of M. o. subsp. altissima is sometimes described as fruity, herbal or powdery, but is actually often "scentless to fetid" (97).
 Photo by: Deni Bown |
Physically, lemon balm is an erect herbaceous perennial with opposite pairs of toothed, ovate leaves growing on square, branching stems (11, 15, 49, 81, 97) and may have a bushy appearance (81, 92). Its height can range from just under 8 inches to nearly 5 feet (49, 92, 97), with a width of 12 to 24 inches (11, 15, 104). Leaves may be smooth or somewhat hairy (97). The plant's fruit is a tiny nutlet (36, 49, 97). Lemon balm's small flowers are 2-lipped, grow in whorled (15, 49) clusters, and may be pale yellow, white, pinkish (15, 92, 97) and infrequently purplish or bluish (92).
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