Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Melittis melissophyllum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, moths.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

M. grandiflora. M. sylvestris.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

A coumarin scented (like new-mown hay) herb, it is occasionally used for making a 'Maiwein' or 'Maibowle' type of beverage[183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent Blood purifier Diuretic Emmenagogue Sedative Vulnerary

Astringent, blood purifier, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative, vulnerary[61].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any good soil in partial shade[1, 187]. Prefers a rich loam[1]. Grows well in thickets, woodland edges and the garden border[1]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. The flowers have a pleasing sweet honey-like scent[245]. The leaves become sweetly fragrant as they dry[245], they retain their fragrance for a long time[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame in the autumn[188]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring[200] or autumn[188]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Turkey EUROPE: United Kingdom, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Romania, Spain, France (incl. Corsica), Portugal Great Britain

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Melittis melissophyllum - L.