Lippia citriodora, Aloysia citriodora, Verbena citriodora, Verbena triphylla

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Lemon verbena has an unusually pure, fruity lemon, note it is more intense than many other lemon-scented herbs. The genus name Aloysia, now also obsolescent, was allegedly given in honour of Maria Luisa Teresa de Parma (1751-1819), wife of king Carlos IV of Spain. The shrub can grow to 5 feet in height and has long narrow leaves which are highly scented smelling of lemon. It will bloom in late summer the flowers being tiny and white or lilac in color. Soil can be poor but needs a sheltered warm place and will need protecting during the cold weather. Lemon Verbena is an herbal medicine used to treat asthma, colds, fever, gas, stomach upset, and diarrhea. Lemon Verbena can be used in fruit dishes, jellies, punches, added to baked custard or home made ice cream. The leaves dry very well and can be used to make a mildly sedative tea. The leaves can also be put among linen and in pot-pourri, make an infusion of the leaves and add to your bath. An infusion is also said to be good for cleaning the teeth.

Similar plants:

• Aloysia gratissima, Lippia lycioides, Aloysia lycioides (Whitebrush, Beebrush)
• Lippia turbinata, Lippia alba (Poleo, Juanilama, Pamporegano, Pitiona)
• Phyla dulcis, Lippia dulcis, Phyla scaberrima, Lippia mexicana (Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf)
• Phyla nodiflora, Lippia nodiflora (Turkey Tangle Frogfruit)
• Aloysia virgata (Sweet Almond Bush, Incense Bush)
• Verbena sp. (Verbena)