Lemon verbena
Aloysia triphylla

Family: Verbenaceae

What it is like

A shrub to 1.5-3 m high. It spreads to 3 m across. It keeps growing from year to year. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are slender and green. They are 10 cm long. They smell strongly of lemon. Under the leaves there are oil glands which give a sticky, almost rough feel. The flowers are purple and white. They form in feather like groups are the ends of branches. Probably now Aloysia citriodora.

There are about 40 Aloysia species. The correct name is Aloysia citriodora.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It requires a sunny sheltered position. It needs a moderately fertile well drained soil. It requires a warm damp climate. In Hobart Botanical gardens. (As Lippia citriodora). It suits hardiness zones 8-12. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central America, Chile, Dominican Republic, Europe, Haiti, Mediterranean, Mexico, North America, Peru, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America (country/location of origin), Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young leaves can be eaten cooked or used raw in salads for their lemon flavour. The leaves can be used for tea. The leaves can be used fresh to flavour fruit salads, punches and fruit cups. The leaves can be used fresh or dried.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Leaves, herb, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from cuttings. Trees are best pruned to give a thick clumpy bush.

The leaves are best harvested a couple of months after the new leaves appear. The leaves are normally dried.

Its other names

Local names

Erva-luisa, Herb Louisa

Synonyms

Aloysia citriodora (Ortega. ex Pers. nom illegit.); Lippia citriodora (Ortega.) Kunth.; Lippia triphylla (L'Hér.) Kuntze.; Verbena triphylla (L'Hér.);