Cymbopogon citratus aka Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus, or lemongrass, belongs to the grass family. This evergreen perennial grows in dense clumps in warm climates. Kew lists its native range as southern India and Sri Lanka. Other accounts say no wild populations are known. Growers raise it across the tropics, including southeast Asia. It serves as both a kitchen herb and ornamental grass.

Garden plants reach about 2–5 feet [0.6–1.5 metres] tall. Clumps spread about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] wide. Stiff stems grow from a short rhizome beneath the soil. The hollow stems look like thin canes. Narrow, pale blue-green leaves stand upright, then bend outward. Leaves can reach 3 feet [0.9 metres] long. They smell of lemon and can feel prickly. Flowers form loose branches of green and pink-brown blooms. RHS places flowering in late summer and autumn. Garden plants seldom bloom, and greenhouse plants rarely do. NC State lists the fruit as a caryopsis.

Give lemongrass full sun and moist soil that drains well. It tolerates several soil types and a broad pH range. Loam suits container plants grown under glass. Keep these plants in strong light with moderate humidity. Do not let overwintering pots dry out. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 8–11. RHS gives it H1C, suitable for summer outdoors in Britain. Plants need winter shelter there. Divide clumps in late spring to make more plants. Fresh cooking shoots may also root. RHS says pruning is not needed.

The clumps suit herb beds, borders, paths, and large pots. Their fine leaves provide an accent among other plants. Dense roots also help hold soil and limit erosion. Cooks use the swollen shoot bases in soups and curries. Young shoot hearts can serve as a cooked vegetable. Older leaves add flavour but remain tough. Remove them before serving, or mince them very finely. Leaves also make tea, served hot or cold. Producers use the oil in foods, soaps, and perfumes. Traditional medicine uses the plant for gut cramps and other ailments.

RHS reports few pest or disease troubles. Missouri Botanical Garden warns that rust can cause problems. Spider mites may become a serious pest indoors. Handling the plant can irritate skin or trigger an allergy. Its kitchen use does not make it safe for pets. ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Dogs and cats may develop an upset stomach. Horses may suffer weakness and breathing trouble; rare cases are fatal.