Genus: Cymbopogon

Common Names: lemongrass (among many others)

A genus of around 52 accepted species of tropical and subtropical grasses. Two species (C. nardus and C. winterianus) are commercially grown for citronella oil. C. citratus and C. flexuosus are both used in numerous Asian cuisines and traditional medicines. 

Distribution: tropical and subtropical Africa, Australia and Asia

Cymbopogon citratus

Common name(s): lemongrass, West Indian lemongrass

Description: perennial; a tropical grass that can be grown in temperate regions as an annual or in a greenhouse as a perennial. C. citratus is typically the preference for culinary application as its stalks are much larger and easier to process than C. flexuosus. Leaves smell strongly of lemon when bruised.

Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- in cuisines throughout the world, herbal tea

Winter Hardiness: to 35 F and below

Distribution: S. India, Sri Lanka (though introduced in much of the tropics throughout the world)

Cymbopogon flexuosus

Common name(s): East Indian lemongrass

Description: perennial; a tropical grass that can be grown in temperate regions as an annual or in a greenhouse as a perennial. C. flexuosus is typically more vigorous in our climate than C. citatus and the leaves are excellent for herbal teas but the stalks are thinner and harder to use for cooking. Leaves smell strongly of lemon when bruised.

Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- in cuisines throughout the world, herbal tea

Winter Hardiness: to 35 F and below

Distribution: South and SE Asia