Aloysia citrodora is a species of flowering plant in the verbena
family Verbenaceae, native to western south america. Common
names include lemon verbena and lemon beebrush. It was brought
to Europe by the Spanish in the 17th century and cultivated for
its oil. Lemon verbena is a perennial shrub or subshrub growing
to 2–3 m high. The 8 cm long glossy, pointed leaves are slightly
rough to the touch and emit a powerful scent reminiscent of
lemon when bruised (hence the Latin specific epithet citrodora -
lemon-scented). Sprays of tiny lilac or white flowers appear in
late Spring or early Summer. It is sensitive to cold, losing
leaves at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) although the wood is
hardy to -10°C (14°F). Due to its many culinary uses, it is
widely listed and marketed as a plant for the herb garden. Lemon
verbena leaves are used to add a lemon flavor to fish and
poultry dishes, vegetable marinades, salad dressings, jams,
puddings, Greek yogurt and beverages. It also is used to make
herbal teas, or added to st