picture: mid-August 2004

Origin:
South Europe

Type:
annual

Flowering/Fruiting:

Uses/Part used:
herb

Catchtail Comments:
Since we have bee hives, I was intrigued to read that the plant's name "Melissa" comes from the Greek word signifying 'bee,' indicative of the attraction the flowers have for those insects, on account of the honey they produce.(Mrs. Grieves)
I have certainly observed the bees delighting in these little white flowers!
NB: Bee balm (Monarda spp.), often confused with lemon balm, is a separate member of the Labiatae family.

Links:
http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/balm--02.html
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/med-aro/factsheets/LEMON_BALM.html

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