Common Balm
Melissa officinalis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Common Balm (Melissa officinalis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
GA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Common balm is a fragrant herb with soft, textured leaves and small white or pale pink flower spikes in summer. This compact perennial forms neat clumps and releases a pleasant lemon scent when brushed against. It spreads moderately but is easy to contain with occasional division.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common Balm takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears weedy and informal to most HOAs
- Can spread aggressively if not managed
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The summer flowers are excellent for bees and attract various butterflies. The long blooming period from June through August provides consistent nectar when many spring flowers have finished.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Common Balm fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.