Lemon verbena

Lemon verbena, as we usually refer to it in the United States, is also known simply as verbena. It is native to Chile and common all through South and Central America, where it can reach heights of 25 feet (7 m 50 cm), though it rarely grows higher than 6 feet (1 m 80 cm) in temperate climates. Like so many herbs and spices, verbena was originally brought to Europe by early explorers returning from sea voyages. This graceful perennial, deciduous shrub has long, pale, pointed leaves with light lilac to purple flowers that grow in clusters. Verbena can be planted as a hedge. The sweet lemon-scented leaves can be used at any time but are most fragrant when the plant is in bloom.