Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Layer 4 · Herbaceous
Attracts pollinators

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Lemon balm is a herbaceous perennial native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, recognised for the strong lemon scent of its leaves. In a food forest, it is extremely effective at attracting bees and other beneficial floral insects. It exhibits vigorous growth and adapts ideally to partially shaded understorey margins.

It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.

See which trees lemon balm grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Partial shade
Size: Herbaceous up to 0.8 m
Mature diameter: 0.5 m
Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May — Harvest
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September — Harvest
October — Planting
November
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: An infusion of the leaves is traditionally used as a mild sedative and for the relief of digestive issues.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.