Lemon Verbena Leaf (Aloysia citrodora) — Bulk Dried Herb
Lemon Verbena Leaf (Aloysia citrodora)
Lemon Verbena is one of the most intensely and purely lemon-scented plants in the botanical world — a woody shrub native to South America whose lance-shaped leaves release an extraordinary burst of bright, clean citrus fragrance when touched or bruised. Introduced to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 17th century, it quickly became one of the most beloved aromatic plants in European gardens and remains a staple of culinary, cosmetic, and herbal traditions across the world.
Our Lemon Verbena leaf is certified organic, cut and sifted to preserve its vibrant essential oils and aromatic character.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Aloysia citrodora (syn. Lippia citriodora, Aloysia triphylla)
- Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena family)
- Common Names: Lemon Verbena, Lemon Beebrush, Verbena, Hierba Luisa, Verveine Odorante
- Plant Part Used: Leaf
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: South America (Argentina, Chile)
- Appearance: Pale green to yellow-green dried leaf pieces
- Aroma: Intensely lemon-like, bright, clean, floral
- Flavor Profile: Bright, clean lemon flavor, slightly floral, mildly astringent
About the Plant
Native to the western slopes of the Andes in Argentina and Chile, Aloysia citrodora is a deciduous woody shrub that grows to 3–5 meters in its native habitat, producing lance-shaped leaves in whorls of three and small pale lavender flowers in summer. The plant was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the late 17th century and named in honor of Maria Luisa, Princess of Parma and Queen of Spain. It was widely cultivated in European gardens throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and became a fashionable ingredient in perfumery, cosmetics, and herbal preparations. The plant’s essential oil is dominated by citral, the same compound responsible for the lemon scent in lemongrass and lemon balm, but in Lemon Verbena it is present in exceptionally high concentrations.
Traditional Context
Lemon Verbena has been used in South American folk botanical traditions for centuries and was adopted into European herbal practice following its introduction in the 17th century. It is particularly prominent in French herbal tradition, where it is known as verveine and is one of the most popular herbal teas. In Spain and Latin America it is known as hierba luisa and is widely used as a culinary and digestive botanical.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaf in hot water for 5–10 minutes for a bright, refreshing lemon tea
- Culinary: Add to desserts, sorbets, sauces, marinades, and cocktails for a pure lemon flavor
- Herbal Blends: Pairs beautifully with Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Mint
- Cold Infusions: Steep in cold water overnight for a refreshing summer drink
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place to preserve the volatile essential oils. Properly stored, dried Lemon Verbena maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for culinary, educational, and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.