Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Also listed as Andropogon citratus, Andropogon cerifer
Also known as West Indian Lemongrass
Climate Match for your location
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Lemongrass is a tropical perennial grass prized for its lemon-scented foliage, which is widely used in Asian cuisine and herbal teas. It grows in upright clumps and thrives in warm climates with good sunlight.
Why grow it
Lemongrass offers reliable lemon flavor and aroma without the maintenance demands of lemon trees, and establishes faster than citrus from division or seed. It tolerates partial shade better than many culinary herbs while still producing vigorous growth, making it practical for zones where true citrus struggles. The dried leaves retain flavor well for tea and cooking applications.
Watch out for
Lemongrass productivity declines noticeably in containers smaller than 5 gallons, and potted plants require more frequent watering than garden soil plantings. In cooler regions, container plants need protection or moving indoors before frost, since even brief hard freezes kill established clumps to the ground.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
South Asia and Southeast Asia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Cymbopogon citratus is the primary cultivated species; no major named cultivars exist, though plants may vary slightly by geographic source and cultivation region.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial grass prized for its lemon-scented foliage, which is widely used in Asian cuisine and herbal teas. It grows in upright clumps and thrives in warm climates with good sunlight.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lemongrass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lemongrass offers reliable lemon flavor and aroma without the maintenance demands of lemon trees, and establishes faster than citrus from division or seed. It tolerates partial shade better than many culinary herbs while still producing vigorous growth, making it practical for zones where true citrus struggles. The dried leaves retain flavor well for tea and cooking applications.
Watch out for
Lemongrass productivity declines noticeably in containers smaller than 5 gallons, and potted plants require more frequent watering than garden soil plantings. In cooler regions, container plants need protection or moving indoors before frost, since even brief hard freezes kill established clumps to the ground.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
South Asia and Southeast Asia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
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Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Cymbopogon citratus is the primary cultivated species; no major named cultivars exist, though plants may vary slightly by geographic source and cultivation region.