Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citrodora
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. C2C6 — Aloysia citrodora
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IOverview
Overview
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a fragrant shrub native to the northwest regions of Argentina and Bolivia, with occasional sightings in Paraguay. This plant thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be either light or medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 7-10 and can grow up to 3 meters tall with a spread of about 60 centimeters. Known for its lemony scent, it is both edible and ornamental. The leaves are the primary part used, making this plant popular in culinary applications due to their use in teas, desserts, and garnishes. One distinctive feature is its ability to tolerate dry conditions while also thriving in moist environments, showcasing its adaptability.
Quick answers
What is Lemon Verbena?
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a fragrant shrub native to the northwest regions of Argentina and Bolivia, with occasional sightings in Paraguay. This plant thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be either light or medium in texture.
What is Lemon Verbena used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Lemon Verbena
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Lemon Verbena appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Digestive Ease
digestiontea
Traditionally used to soothe digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lemon Verbena thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It requires dry to moist conditions and can be propagated through stem cuttings. The plant grows up to 3 meters tall with a width of 0.6 meters, making it suitable for garden beds or containers. Hardy in zones 7-10, it needs protection from frost if grown outside this range. Harvest the leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
3.0 m × 0.6 m
For first-time growers
How to grow Lemon Verbena for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic soil to grow your Lemon Verbena.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or garden bed, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; containers should have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting date.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy; avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune occasionally for shape and size control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth; harvest leaves as needed for use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 15 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 3 native· 15 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)AlbaniaFranceItalySpain
Americas7 regions
native (2)BoliviaParaguay
introduced (5)CubaPeruPuerto RicoUruguayVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest
introduced:Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Chile Central, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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