Lemon verbena

Aloysia citrodora

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Flavor Profile and Uses

• Lovely, strong, zesty lemon scent and flavor fresh and dried
• A popular herb for tea (hot or cold), can also be used in flavoring both savory dishes and desserts
•  Known to ease headaches, calm upset stomachs, and sooth sensitive skin

Identification

• A deciduous shrub with woody stems that can grow over 4' tall
• Lanceolate, 3 - 4" long, pale green leaves with smooth margins 
• A Mediterranean herb that is happiest when growing in full sun

Harvesting Instructions

• Harvest by gathering leaves throughout the season (midsummer - the first hard fall frost), or cut the plant by half a couple of times during the season to maintain the plant's bushy appearance

• Use fresh, freeze in ice cubes, or dry in bundles upside down or on a screen (for small amounts) in an area protected from the elements with good airflow for large amounts
• When plants begin to crumble easily, remove foliage and flowers from stems and store in an airtight container (preferably with paper or desiccation packets added to absorb moisture and prevent molding over time)

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Grieve, M. Verbena, Lemon. Botanical.com A Modern Herbal, n.d., http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/v/verlem05.html.  Accessed 1 Mar 2021.
Lemon Verbena. Portland Nursery, n.d., https://portlandnursery.com/herbs/verbena/. Accessed 1 Mar. 2021.

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