If this is a plant you do not want growing where you do not want it growing, ie. a "weed", the simplest method of getting rid of it is to dig it up. If it is an unwanted plant does it really make much difference what it is?

No, it doesn't make a difference...just curious.

Smell it...I think it's lemon balm..but the smell test will be definitive on yes/no.

It's certainly in the mint family, which would explain its aggressive behavior. My first thought was lemon balm, too. A delightful culinary herb but a problem in the garden if not carefully monitored.

Normal, routine care of our lawns and gardens will always include a little handwork. Especially when it comes to keeping the weeds under control. Hand weeding is still the most efficient method for some weeds.

Pull off a couple of leaves, crush them between your fingers and smell the scent. Lemon balm is decidedly lemony.

Thanks dbarron and rhizo_1...it is indeed lemony smelling. I looked up pics of lemon balm and it fits the bill. Ack, mint family! I have my work cut out to get rid of it. We were out of town a good part of the spring and summer and I think our yard guys thought it was ornamental rather than a weed...LOL

i agree that it is a kind of mint. It spreads like crazy and to kill it, you would need to remove all the roots. My mints are all potted but nevertheless, it looks like it jumped to the next pots.

I suspect this came from one of our neighbors' yards. I will need to be vigilent once it is cleared out.

But please don't try to get rid of it all! Lemon balm might be the most used herb in my container gardens as far as everyday use goes. I use it in hot and icy drinks (makes the volumes of water I drink more palatable), in salads, in herbal butters, and rub it on exposed skin as a mosquito repellent. Also does beautifully in baked goods and with roasted or grilled chicken and fish.

Sorry rhizo_1 but I think I'll have to try to dig it all up otherwise it will just grow back. Too bad I can't send it your way!

Actually, I'd like to establish some here. I had it occuring sporadically at my last house...never hard to control.