General Information
Lemon Verbena is a woody shrub that can reach heights as tall as 5 meters when left unpruned. It produces narrow lanceolate shaped leaves approximately 7-10 centimeters long. The rough-textured leaves are brilliant green and rich in essential oils. Leaves are strongest at the time of flowering. When agitated they release a robust lemony fragrance with hints of ginger and spice. The herb is slightly sour on the palate but also possesses a sweet and fruity flavor that is more potent than other lemon-scented herbs.
History
Lemon verbena came to North America from Chile and Argentina via early Spanish explorers. It is the favorite of the lemon-scented herbs because it has the strongest, cleanest lemony flavor. Its essential oil was once used for perfume but has since declined due to evidence that it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
It has been a favorite for garden rooms in North America since its introduction in the 1800’s. It was named after Maria Louisa, Princess of Parma in 1819. It has a clean, sharp lemon scent that makes it the Queen of lemon-scented herbs. In Gone with the Wind, lemon verbena is mentioned as Scarlet O’Hara’s mother’s favorite plant.
