Lemon Grass: The Fragrant Culinary Herb That’s Actually a Grass
If you’ve ever enjoyed a steaming bowl of Thai soup or sipped a soothing cup of herbal tea, you’ve likely encountered the distinctive citrusy flavor of lemon grass. But here’s something that might surprise you: this beloved culinary herb is actually a grass! Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemon grass, is a perennial grass that brings both flavor and fragrance to gardens across warmer regions of the United States.
What Exactly Is Lemon Grass?
Lemon grass is a clumping perennial grass that forms attractive, fountain-like tufts of long, narrow leaves. Despite its name suggesting it’s an herb, it belongs to the grass family and shares characteristics with other ornamental grasses. The plant gets its common name from the intense lemony fragrance released when the leaves are crushed or cut.
This aromatic grass is native to Southeast Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka, but has found its way into gardens and kitchens around the world. In the United States, it’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized in several warm-weather locations including Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and various Pacific territories.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Avoid) Lemon Grass
There are plenty of reasons why gardeners are drawn to lemon grass, but also a few considerations to keep in mind:
The Appealing Qualities:
- Dual-purpose plant serving as both ornamental grass and culinary herb
- Natural pest deterrent – mosquitoes and other insects dislike its strong scent
- Low maintenance once established
- Attractive blue-green to gray-green foliage that adds texture to landscapes
- Drought tolerance after establishment
- Fresh lemony fragrance released when brushed against or harvested
Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited cold tolerance – only hardy in USDA zones 9-11
- Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions
- Rarely flowers in cultivation, providing minimal benefit to pollinators
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t support local wildlife ecosystems as effectively as native plants
Where Lemon Grass Thrives in the Garden
Lemon grass works beautifully in several garden settings. It’s perfect for herb gardens where you can easily harvest stalks for cooking, and it makes an excellent addition to tropical or subtropical landscape designs. The grass also performs well in large containers, making it accessible to gardeners in cooler climates who can bring pots indoors during winter.
Consider using lemon grass as a fragrant border plant, in cottage-style gardens, or as part of a sensory garden where visitors can enjoy brushing against the aromatic foliage. Its fountain-like growth habit and blue-green color provide nice textural contrast when paired with broader-leafed plants.
Growing Lemon Grass Successfully
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Full sun exposure (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily)
- Well-draining soil – avoid areas that stay waterlogged
- Warm temperatures year-round
- Regular watering during establishment, then moderate moisture
- USDA hardiness zones 9-11 for perennial growth
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature spread
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Once established, lemon grass is quite drought tolerant
- Harvest outer stalks regularly to encourage new growth
- In zones 8 and cooler, grow in containers and bring indoors for winter
- Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth begins
Consider Native Alternatives
While lemon grass can be a wonderful addition to the right garden, consider exploring native ornamental grasses that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local wildlife. Native bunch grasses like little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) offer beautiful texture and form while providing seeds for birds and habitat for beneficial insects.
The Bottom Line on Lemon Grass
Lemon grass occupies a unique niche as both an ornamental grass and a valuable culinary herb. If you love cooking with fresh herbs, enjoy fragrant plants, or want to add tropical flair to your garden, lemon grass might be worth trying – especially if you live in a warm climate where it can thrive year-round. Just remember to harvest regularly, provide good drainage, and consider complementing it with native plants that support local ecosystems. Whether you’re brewing tea, cooking up a storm, or simply enjoying its mosquito-repelling properties, this aromatic grass certainly knows how to make its presence known in the garden!
