Melissa is a genus of perennial herbs in the Lamiaceae family. The name "Melissa" comes from the Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa), which means "honeybee," referring to the abundance of nectar in the flowers. The stems of Melissa plants are square, like most other plants in the mint family. The leaves are usually ovate or heart-shaped and emit a lemony scent when crushed.

The most commonly grown species in this genus is Melissa officinalis, known as lemon balm in the United States and balm in England. Melissa officinalis is native to the Mediterranean.