field balm

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Explanation of "Field Balm"

Definition: "Field balm" is a type of plant that grows low to the ground and has a strong, pleasant smell. It is a perennial herb, which means it can live for more than two years. This plant is originally from southern Europe and Great Britain, but it has also become common in the United States. Field balm belongs to the mint family and has rounded leaves and small purple flowers. It's often used in gardens, especially in hanging baskets, because of its beautiful appearance and strong aroma.

Usage Instructions

• As a noun: You can use "field balm" to refer to the plant itself. For example, "I planted field balm in my garden."

Example Sentences

• "The field balm in my garden attracts many bees and butterflies."
• "I love the scent of field balm, especially when it blooms in the summer."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced discussions about gardening or botany, you might encounter phrases like "aromatic herb" or "herbaceous perennial" when talking about field balm. You could say, "Field balm is a valuable aromatic herb that enhances both the beauty and biodiversity of gardens."

Word Variants

• Genus: Field balm is sometimes placed in the genus Nepeta.
• Common Names: It may also be referred to as "balm" or "catmint" in some regions.

Different Meanings

While "field balm" specifically refers to this plant, "balm" on its own can mean something soothing, often used in phrases like "a balm for the soul," which refers to something that brings comfort or relief.

Synonyms

• Catmint
• Mint
• Aromatic herb

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "field balm," you may encounter idioms that use "balm," such as: - "A balm to the soul": This means something that brings comfort or peace.

Summary

In summary, "field balm" is a fragrant, low-growing herb from the mint family, appreciated for both its beauty in gardens and its aromatic properties.

Academic

Noun

1. low-growing strongly aromatic perennial herb of southern Europe to Great Britain; naturalized in United States
2. trailing European aromatic plant of the mint family having rounded leaves and small purplish flowers often grown in hanging baskets; naturalized in North America; sometimes placed in genus Nepeta

Synonyms

• lesser calamint
• Calamintha nepeta
• Calamintha nepeta glantulosa
• Satureja nepeta
• Satureja calamintha glandulosa
• ground ivy
• alehoof
• gill-over-the-ground
• runaway robin
• Glechoma hederaceae
• Nepeta hederaceae