Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon citratus
Poaceae
Growth habit
Grass/Sedge
Perennation
Cultivated as annual
Native distribution
S India, Sri-Lanka
Biocultural value
Lemon flavored stalks are an essential ingredient in many Thai dishes. Leaves are brewed into a refreshing lemon-flavored tea.
Location
Source of plant
Unknown
Description
Perennial to 1.5m+, all parts strongly scented of lemon. Stems clumped, slender to robust, often cane-like and sheathed. Leaves blue-green, to 90cm x 1.3cm, sheaths coarsely pubescent, apex and base attenuate, midrib stout, margins rough pubescent, lax; rachis pubescent; spathe bracts long, linear-lanceolate, to 1.6cm; spikelets awnless.
USDA Hardiness Zone
10
Special characteristics
tender perennial, fragrance, food