Lemon Grass

Product Type: Plant

There are many related species of the herb lemongrass, all of which are in the grass family, Poaceae. East Indian and West Indian lemongrass are popular names for Cymbopogon flexuousand Cymbopogon citratus, respectively. The herb is an evergreen, native to Southeast Asia, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Australia. So-called West Indian lemongrass may have originated in Malaysia.

Description: The narrow foliage of lemongrass ranges from blue-green to gold, and the flowers are white, cream, or green. C. flexuous grows to a height of 8 feet (2.4 m), while C. Citratus ranges from about 3 to 5 feet (0.9–1.5 m).

Gardening: Lemongrass prefers moist soil and full sun. It can be propagated by dividing the root clump. The leaves can be dried or frozen. Dried leaves need re-hydration before use. Information differs on whether the bulbous stem end, the leaves, or both should be used and how, so consult a recipe for the use you have in mind to see what it recommends.