Balm
Balm South Somerset
Whorls of flowers
Single flowers
Side view of flower, calyx and stamens
Calyces
Crinkly leaves
Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm
Lamiaceae
July to October
It is found mainly in southern areas. It is scattered from Norfolk
northwards, and is least common in the far North.
See the BSBI distribution map for Balm
It is a neophyte, which has been planted in UK gardens since
the the 990s, and first noted as a naturalised escape in the
1760s.
It grows beside paths and roads and in waste places close
to habitation.
Balm is a lemon-scented, rhizomatous, perennial herb,
growing up to 1m.
The flowers are small (up to15mm) and inconspicuous.
They are pale yellow turning white.
The petals are fused to form a tube and have a 2-lobed and
hooded upper lip and a 3-lobed lower lip.
There are 4 stamens.
The calyx is persistent, unequal and pointed.
Leaves are green, ovate to lanceolate and crinkly.
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Balm South Somerset
Whorls of flowers
Single flowers
Side view of flower, calyx and stamens
Calyces
Crinkly leaves
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