Subtropical Queensland native with the highest natural citral content of any plant. Leaves are both culinary (intensely lemon-scented) and medicinal (antimicrobial).
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 9–11 | −6.7 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 5–7 | 5 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
About Lemon myrtle
Lemon myrtle is native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia and has one of the highest concentrations of citral of any plant — the compound responsible for lemon scent — which is why its leaf is markedly more lemon-flavoured than lemon itself. It has a long history of use by Aboriginal peoples of the region as both food and medicine, and is now grown commercially for leaf and essential oil. It is a rainforest tree by origin, so it wants shelter, moisture and warmth, and is damaged by hard frost.
Growing notes
- Diluted essential oil only for skin contact — undiluted oil can cause irritation
- Excellent commercial bushfood crop in subtropical Australia
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Lemon myrtle against your zones