What is this? - Ask Extension
What is this? I planted a garden in beds used previously by someone else and this is popping up. The plant ID app I have says basil, but it doesn’t ...
Knowledgebase
What is this? #870150
Asked May 26, 2024, 1:09 PM EDT
What is this? I planted a garden in beds used previously by someone else and this is popping up. The plant ID app I have says basil, but it doesn’t seem like it. Smells lemony but doesn’t look like lemon balm to me.
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
We aren't certain this is a basil (even a lemon-flavored type), so since we can't positively ID the plant, we do not recommend consuming it. If you're curious and want to wait for it to flower (since flowers are very important features with plant ID), you can send us another photo when it blooms and we'll try again to see if we recognize it. If you want to keep them until blooming and they're currently in the way of other plantings, you can transfer the mystery plants into their own container and watch their development there.
Miri
Miri
