Genus: Aloysia

Common Names: beebrushes (includes lemon verbena)

A genus of around 30 species that includes subshrubs, shrubs, and trees many of which have very aromatic foliage. Somewhat rare in cultivation aside from the popular A. citrodora (lemon verbena), and to a lesser extent, A. virgata (sweet almond bush).

Distribution: the Americas, mostly in temperate, subtropical, or desert climates

Aloysia citrodora

Common name(s): lemon verbena

Description: perennial; a deciduous shrub native to South America. The leaves have some of the most concentrated lemon flavor of any herb and make for an excellent culinary flavoring. 

Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.

Position: full sun and perfectly-draining soil

Uses: culinary- savory dishes, tea, cocktails, or desserts, cooking oil & cosmetic infusions, potpourri, medicine

Winter Hardiness: to 15 F and below (winter hardiness can be greatly improved by providing impeccable drainage around the root system and/or positioning under an awning or evergreen tree that will deflect winter rainfall.)

Drought: adapted to 2+ months of summer drought

Distribution: SW Bolivia, NW Argentina, Paraguay