How much sun does Common Balm need?

Common Balm grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Common Balm bloom?

Common Balm blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Common Balm native?

Common Balm (Melissa officinalis) is native to GA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Common Balm attract?

Common Balm draws bees and butterflies.

Is Common Balm HOA-friendly?

Common Balm takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Common Balm

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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 (opens in new tab), 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

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Balm need?: Common Balm grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Common Balm bloom?: Common Balm blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Common Balm native?: Common Balm (Melissa officinalis) is native to GA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Common Balm toxic to dogs?: Common Balm is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Common Balm toxic to cats?: Common Balm is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Common Balm attract?: Common Balm draws bees and butterflies.
Is Common Balm HOA-friendly?: Common Balm takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

Ready to grow Common Balm? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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