Aloysia citrodora :a characteristic citrus smell

Lemon verbena, or Aloysia citrodora, is a perennial shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It naturally grows in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru. In Russia, it can survive the harsh winters in regions such as Krasnodar and Stavropol along the Black Sea coast. This plant is prized both for its looks and its fragrant leaves that have a strong citrus scent.


The plant has many uses. It is grown to extract essential oil from its green parts. Its bright citrus aroma makes it a popular choice for flavoring sweet foods and for adding to herbal teas. Lemon verbena can also be grown indoors or planted alone in flower beds and borders. Its attractive appearance and aroma make it a lively addition to any garden.

In appearance, lemon verbena is a spreading shrub that can reach heights of 3 to 7 meters in the wild, and about 2 meters when grown in gardens. The stems stand upright. The leaves are lance-shaped with smooth edges and pointed tips. They are slightly wrinkled on the surface with a clear central vein. The leaves grow opposite each other or in whorls. They are light green in color.

The plant produces small flowers that are 1.5 to 2 centimeters across. These flowers are usually white or pale pink, with a darker purple center. They grow at the tips of the shoots and add to the plant’s charm. The fruits are small, hard, dry drupes.

The roots of lemon verbena are strong and grow downward deep into the soil. The roots spread out and supply the plant with water and nutrients efficiently. This helps the plant stay healthy and thrive.