Melittis melissophyllum

Melittis melissophyllum, commonly known as bastard balm, is a perennial herbaceous plant and the sole species in the monotypic genus Melittis. It is a strongly aromatic member of the mint family, characterized by hairy stems and large, two-lipped flowers that are usually white with a pinkish-purple blotch.

It is native to central and southern Europe, ranging from Ireland and Portugal in the west to Turkey and the Baltic States in the east. The plant typically thrives in shady deciduous woodlands, often growing beneath oak, beech, and chestnut trees at altitudes up to 1,400 meters.

It is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant for shady woodland gardens, scrubby borders, and as an edging plant. Its large, nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and moths.