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What is the difference between lemon balm and mint? A quick guide to tell them apart

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Plant distinction: Lemon balm plants grow to about 50 cm tall and have a fairly fresh fragrance; mint plants grow 30 to 60 cm tall and have a rather pungent smell. Leaf distinction: The former has somewhat rounder leaves and a darker color; the latter has somewhat more pointed leaves and a lighter color. Flower distinction: The former blooms at the tips; the latter blooms in the leaf axils.

1. Differences in the plant

Lemon balm plants grow to about 50 cm tall, and the fragrance of the whole plant is fairly fresh, similar to the scent of lemon and quite refreshing.

Mint plants grow 30 to 60 cm tall and carry a rather strong, pungent scent.

2. Differences in the leaves

Lemon balm leaves are somewhat rounder in shape and darker in color, being dark green, with fairly prominent veins and clear wrinkles.

Mint leaves are somewhat more pointed in shape, lighter in color than the former, and their veins are not as prominent.

3. Differences in the flowers

Lemon balm flowers mostly appear at the tips and are pale pinkish-purple; the flowers bloom around July to August.

Mint flowers bloom in the axils of the leaves and branches; the pedicels are fairly slender, about 2.5 mm long, and pale purple, with a flowering period from July to September.

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