Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) | Triple 5 Plant Codex

# Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) | Triple 5 Plant Codex ## Identification Block - **Accepted Scientific Name:** *Melissa officinalis* - **Common Names:** Lemon Balm - **Scope Statement:** This page covers *Melissa officinalis* in the context of the Triple 5 Plant Codex for herbs and spices cultivation in TN/KY Zones 7-8. ## Required Page Structure ### 1. Overview Lemon Balm is an herb or spice cultivated or foraged in the Mid-South. It is categorized under herb, spice. ### 6. Toxicity and Animal Interaction - **Toxicity Level:** None - **Species Affected:** none - **Exposure Scenarios:** Generally safe for typical farm interactions, but large quantities of essential oils in herbs can sometimes cause mild distress in livestock. ### 11. Homestead Decision Guidance **Maintain / Cultivate.** Herbs and spices are high-value crops for homesteads and generally pose low risk. ### 12. Source Reference Appendix - [USDA PLANTS Profile](https://plants.usda.gov/home/search?query=Melissa%20officinalis) - [UT Extension - Herb Gardening](https://utextension.tennessee.edu/) - [UK Extension - Culinary Herbs](https://forages.ca.uky.edu/) ## Structured Data - **Title:** Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) | Triple 5 Plant Codex - **Slug:** lemon-balm - **Common Name:** Lemon Balm - **Scientific Name:** Melissa officinalis - **Categories:** herb, spice - **Toxicity Level:** none - **Animals Affected:** none - **Invasive Status:** non-invasive - **Native Status:** varies