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. They are arranged in whorls of three. 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 degree C.
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 standard tea in place of actual lemon
(as is common with Moroccan tea.
Identification credit: Tassaduq Mueen
Photographed in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu & Srinagar, Kashmir.
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The flower labeled Lemon Verbena is ...