Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)Native: South-central Europe, the Mediterranean basin, Iran, and Central AsiaIdentified: Apr 2, 2026
A perennial herbaceous plant with heart-shaped or oval-shaped green leaves that have a crinkled texture and scalloped edges. It is famous for its distinct lemon-scented foliage when crushed.
Learn more about Lemon Balm in the encyclopedia →Care instructions
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires well-draining soil and regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is a hardy plant that can be invasive, so it is often grown in pots or pruned regularly to manage growth.