| DESCRIPTION: It is an aromatic, deciduous shrub reaching 1-3 m in height. The plant is characterized by fragrant, lemon-smelling, narrow leaves and small white flowers borne in terminal panicles. USE: An essential oil is extracted from the leaves. It is used in perfumery, especially in making toilet water and eau de cologne. The plant is often grown as an ornamental, but it needs to be kept indoors during winter months in northern regions. The leaves and flowering tops of lemon verbena are used in teas and to flavour alcoholic beverages. The plant is also an ingredient in some desserts, fruit salads, and jams. As a medicinal plant, the leaves and flowers have been used as an antispasmodic, antipyretic, sedative, and stomachic. GROWING PERIOD: Perennial. COMMON NAMES: Lemon verbena. FURTHER INF: It is native to Argentina and Chile. It prefers full sun in a cooler climate and light shade if warmer regions and a light, well drained, rich loam soil. Is sensitive to cold and has high water requirements. In cooler climates it can be grown in pots and taken in for the winter. It is commonly cultivated in the tropics and Europe. It is produced commercially in France. |
