Cymbopogon citratus

	Cymbopogon citratus
	compleat botanica plants specimen names Specimen (Cu - Cy)

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Cymbopogon citratus

lemon grass
oil grass
fever grass

family gramineae
genus cymbopogon

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Identification

Genus Cymbopogon Species citratus Variety Cultivar Common names lemon grass oil grass fever grass Family GRAMINEAE Specimen number S11228 Data source HtZn p103;MedPl p196;Frgnt p371

Life cycle

Life form Terrestrial Life cycle Various Life span Annual cycle Evergreen Stature Grass Growth form Not applicable Growth habit Various Overall height 2' - 6' Overall spread 3'

Climate

Sunshine Full sun to light shade Water Well drained Optimal soil texture Sandy Acceptable soil pH Soil pH 06-07 USDA hardiness USDA zones 10a-11 AHS heat zones Heat zones 12-01 Sunset climate zones Not classified

Garden

Suitable for gardens yes Nursery Unknown Compost no Size at acquisition Unknown Garden location Unknown Garden notes The leaves of Cymbopogon citratus have a mildly sweet aroma. This somewhat tender plant can only survive cold winter nights that dip to 30� Fahrenheit. Lemon grass (also known as oil grass and fever grass) needs summer days with high heat. The best soil for this plant has a texture that is sandy. Full sun to light shade is best for growing this species. It likes well drained soils. The extracted oil of this plant is called lemon grass oil, verbena oil, or Indian melissa oil.

Special qualities

Tolerates drought no Tolerates high humidity no Tolerates seaside conditions no Insect resistant no Disease resistant no Deer resistant no Best uses Symbiosis Attracts butterflies no Attracts hummingbirds no Autumn foliage no Colorful berries no Desirable qualities Other interest Other interest color Other interest period

Adverse factors

Common pests Poisonous parts Poisonous indications Internal poison no Dermatologic poison no Livestock poison no Mechanical injury no Hay fever pollen Hay fever season Adverse qualities

Herbal medicine

Medicinal properties digestive tonic carminative febrifuge antifungal Medicinal parts Leaves Essential oil Has medicinal uses yes Do not self-administer yes Do no use if pregnant no Legally restricted no Toxicity precautions Do not take essential oil internally without professional guidance. Medicinal notes Cymbopogon citratus has numerous traditional medicinal uses. Some of its many uses are: as a digestive tonic, as a carminative, as a febrifuge and as an antifungal. More uses are listed in the medicinal properties section. Lemon grass (sometimes called oil grass and fever grass) should only be used under professional guidance. The leaves and the essential oil are used in herbal preparations. Do not take essential oil internally without professional guidance.

Traditional uses

Parts used Traditional uses Contemporary uses Fragrance aromatic leaves. Fragrance parts Leaves Fragrance intensity Mild Fragrance category Faintly sweet Dye parts Dye color

Cultivation

Propagule Various Pollination method Planting style Crop spacing Row spacing Cold frame Planting period Harvesting period Frost tolerance Heat requirement Fertilizer Typical Time to harvest

Nutrition

Is edible no Culinary uses Nutritional value Edible parts Description of edible parts Flavor / texture

Horticulture

Horticulture notes Cymbopogon citratus is considered to have originated from Jamaica.

Herbarium

Tag needs printing no Collection notes Cymbopogon citratus is evergreen. Leaves: Lemon grass (locally known in some parts as oil grass and fever grass) has sharp edged grassy leaves.

Page 1448 of 4998

Last reviewed November 01, 2004

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