In The Garden: Lemon Balm

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by pathe, Aug 3, 2013.

  1. pathe

    pathe Active Member

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    I grew this plant from seed. It's now about 1.5 feet in height and bushy. The seeds were marked Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), but the plant looks like something else. It does have square stems and a minty odor, but doesn't look like Lemon Balm to me. Anyone know what it is?

    Thanks
     

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  2. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Looks like Bee Balm, Monarda punctata or similar species.
     
  3. pathe

    pathe Active Member

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    Thanks. I did some research based on your response and it looks like a related species, Monarda pectinata (Pony Bee Balm).
     
  4. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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  5. pathe

    pathe Active Member

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    Mondora pectinata and M. citriodora seem pretty close, although M. citriodora is likely correct. Perhaps this close up of the flowers can help confirm the ID. Since M. citriodora is also known as Lemon Bee Balm, I can see where Lemon Bee Balm was substituted for Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) by mistake.
     

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    Last edited: Aug 3, 2013

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