Also known as, Aloysia citriodora, Lemon Verbena is a shrub like plant with crisp light green leaves and sprays of white flowers. This perennial herb can grow to be rather large, towering over many others at up to 4 feet tall. The leaves are glossy, and emit a strong lemon scent when bruised or crushed. This plant does not do well in the cold. It begins to loose leaves at or below freezing, even though it has a woody stem system. Because it has many culinary uses, this herb is highly recommended for a personal herb garden.
Lemon Verbena is used to add a lemon flavor to whatever dish it is used with. Whether it be meat, fish, poultry, sweets, baked goods, or beverages. This herb can also be used to make herbal teas. Outside of the cooking aspect, this plant has strong antioxidant properties as well as anti-Candida albicans activity, aiding in treating many health issues.
This plant needs well drained, medium rich soil, and full or partial sun. It is often grown in containers. Pruning and trimming is important. If you wish to spread this plant, seeding works as well as using fresh, young, green branches for transplanting. They tend to take root the fastest and easiest.
Fun Fact: This herb was brought to Europe by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 17th century.