Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon citratusfam. Poaceae
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. 6FCC — Cymbopogon citratus
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IOverview
Overview
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial graminoid native to India and Sri Lanka, where it thrives in full sun and various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay. Known for its culinary uses, the plant's leaves, shoots, and stems are edible. It grows up to 1.5 meters tall with a width of about 1 meter, making it an attractive ornamental addition to gardens. This versatile herb is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions, but prefers well-drained soil. Its distinctive lemony scent and flavor make it popular in cuisines around the world.
Quick answers
What is Lemon Grass?
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial graminoid native to India and Sri Lanka, where it thrives in full sun and various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay. Known for its culinary uses, the plant's leaves, shoots, and stems are edible.
What is Lemon Grass used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Lemon Grass
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Lemon Grass 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 moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Lemon grass is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support digestion, often prepared as a tea or decoction. It may help alleviate digestive discomfort and promote healthy gut function.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but it likely involves the interaction of compounds such as citral with digestive enzymes or gut motility pathways.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Lemon Grass support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lemon Grass thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but benefits from moist conditions. Water regularly to maintain moisture, especially during dry spells. This perennial grows up to 1.5 meters tall with a width of 1 meter and is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for subtropical climates. Propagate through division or stem cuttings. Harvest the leaves, shoots, and stems for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
1.5 m × 1 m
For first-time growers
How to grow Lemon Grass for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic soil preparation for your first lemon grass plant.
- 1
What you'll need
Lemon grass plants or seeds, potting mix, containers with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the risk of frost is low.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Containers should be at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots into your garden or containers.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid waterlogged soil, but keep the soil moist. Place in a sunny spot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize once every 2-3 months with a balanced plant food.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove dead leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, using too much fertilizer, ignoring pests like mealybugs.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShootsStem
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Asia5 regions
native (2)IndiaSri Lanka
introduced (3)BangladeshCambodiaChina
Americas6 regions
introduced (6)BahamasBelizeCosta RicaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorFrench Guiana
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)BeninCameroonComorosEquatorial Guinea
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Brazil North, Central African Repu, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Caroline Is., Borneo, Chile North, Cook Is., Florida, Galápagos
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 (Poaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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