--- title: "Lemon Myrtle" id: "4112" type: "herb" slug: "lemon-myrtle" published_at: "2026-06-02T02:38:17+00:00" modified_at: "2026-06-02T02:48:47+00:00" url: "https://flowersandherbs.com/plants/lemon-myrtle/" markdown_url: "https://flowersandherbs.com/plants/lemon-myrtle.md" excerpt: "Lemon myrtle is an aromatic Australian tree with intensely lemon-scented leaves. Learn how to use lemon myrtle for teas, cooking, potpourri, simmer pots and natural home fragrance, plus how to grow it in warm climates or containers." taxonomy_herb_type: - "Tree" --- # Lemon Myrtle Benefits & Uses Lemon myrtle is a fragrant Australian tree best known for its glossy leaves and bright, clean lemon aroma. Although it smells citrusy, it is not a citrus tree. It belongs to the myrtle family and is valued for its leaves, which contain a naturally strong lemon-scented profile. The dried or fresh leaves are commonly used in herbal teas, spice blends, baking, syrups, sauces, potpourri, simmer pots and natural home fragrance recipes. [Lemon myrtle essential oil](/essential-oils/lemon-myrtle-essential-oil/) is also used in fragrance blending, but it is powerful and should be handled carefully. This guide explains what lemon myrtle is, how to use lemon myrtle leaves, traditional uses, preparation methods, growing information for USA gardeners, and important safety notes for working with this beautiful aromatic herb. [https://flowersandherbs.com/plants/lemon-myrtle/](https://flowersandherbs.com/plants/lemon-myrtle/) ## Botanical Overview - **Botanical name:***Backhousia citriodora* - **Family:** Myrtaceae - **Plant type:** Evergreen aromatic tree or large shrub - **Native region:** Subtropical rainforests of Queensland, Australia - **Common names:** Lemon myrtle, lemon-scented myrtle, lemon-scented ironwood, lemon ironwood, sweet verbena tree Lemon myrtle is a bright, citrus-scented herb that pairs well with other aromatic plants used in teas, home fragrance and botanical recipes. - [Lemon Balm](/herbs/lemon-balm/) - [Rosemary](/herbs/rosemary/) - [Lavender](/herbs/lavender/) - [Chamomile](/herbs/chamomile/) - [Ginger](/herbs/ginger/) ### Lemon Myrtle Benefits and Traditional Uses Lemon myrtle has long been valued in Australia for its vivid lemon aroma and useful leaves. In modern herbal and home-fragrance use, it is most often chosen when a clean, bright, citrus-like scent or flavor is wanted without using actual citrus peel. - **Herbal tea:** dried or fresh leaves can be steeped for a fragrant lemony infusion. - **Culinary flavoring:** the dried leaf is used in cakes, cookies, sauces, marinades, dressings and spice blends. - **Natural home fragrance:** dried leaves work beautifully in potpourri, simmer pots, sachets and botanical bowls. - **Botanical crafts:** the leaves add a distinct Australian bushland note to handmade gifts and dried herb blends. - **Aromatic blending:** lemon myrtle essential oil is used in very small amounts for a strong lemon note in room blends and potpourri refresh oils. Its main appeal is its unmistakable aroma: sharper and more leaf-like than sweet orange, stronger than lemon balm, and more distinctly herbal than lemon peel. #### Lemon Myrtle Preparation Methods Lemon myrtle can be used fresh, dried, crushed, powdered or infused. The leaves are highly aromatic, so a small amount is often enough. ### How to Use Lemon Myrtle Leaves - **Tea or infusion:** steep 1 teaspoon dried crushed lemon myrtle leaf in 1 cup hot water for 5–10 minutes, then strain. - **Culinary seasoning:** use a small pinch of finely dried leaf or powder in baked goods, sauces, dressings and spice rubs. - **Potpourri:** combine dried lemon myrtle leaves with dried citrus peel, eucalyptus leaves, rosemary, wood chips and flowers. - **Simmer pots:** add a few dried leaves to a pot of water with citrus slices, rosemary or eucalyptus and warm gently. - **Sachets:** blend dried leaves with lavender, chamomile or dried citrus peel for cupboards or drawers. ### Flavor and Aroma Pairings Lemon myrtle pairs especially well with orange peel, lemon peel, ginger, honey, vanilla, chamomile, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, calendula and soft woody notes such as cedarwood or sandalwood. ### Using Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil Lemon myrtle essential oil is much stronger than the dried leaf. For potpourri and room fragrance, start with only a few drops and blend it with softer oils such as sweet orange, lavender, cedarwood or sandalwood so the scent does not become too sharp. ##### Growing Lemon Myrtle Lemon myrtle is a warm-climate tree that prefers bright light, good drainage and protection from hard frost. In the USA, it is best suited to warm coastal, subtropical or mild frost-free areas, and is often most practical as a container plant in cooler regions. - **USA growing zones:** best outdoors in warm regions around USDA Zones 9b–11. In colder zones, grow it in a large pot and bring it indoors or into a protected space during freezing weather. - **Light:** full sun to part shade. In very hot, dry areas, afternoon shade can help protect young plants. - **Soil:** fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogged soil. - **Water:** water regularly while young. Established plants tolerate short dry periods better, but the best leaf growth comes from steady moisture. - **Size:** in warm climates it can become a small to medium tree. In pots it can be pruned and kept as a large shrub. - **Harvesting:** pick leaves as needed once the plant is established, taking only modest amounts at one time so the plant keeps growing strongly. - **Container care:** use a large pot, quality potting mix, good drainage and regular pruning to maintain shape. Because lemon myrtle is frost sensitive when young, USA gardeners outside warm zones should treat it like a patio citrus or bay tree: outdoors in warm months, protected during cold snaps, and moved under cover before hard frost. ###### Safety Considerations Lemon myrtle leaf is commonly used as a culinary herb, but it has a strong flavor and aroma, so start with small amounts. People who are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition should seek professional guidance before using concentrated herbal preparations. - **Essential oil caution:** lemon myrtle essential oil is rich in citral and can be irritating or sensitizing if used too strongly. Do not apply it undiluted to the skin. - **Skin use:** this page focuses on the herb leaf and home-fragrance uses, not topical treatment. Use properly formulated recipes if applying essential oils to skin. - **Pets and children:** keep essential oils, scented potpourri and dried botanical blends away from pets and young children. - **Home fragrance:** do not place scented potpourri directly on polished wood, painted surfaces, fabric or plastic, as essential oils may stain or damage finishes. - **Food use:** only use food-grade dried lemon myrtle from a trusted source for cooking or tea. For decorative potpourri, simmer pots and sachets, label blends clearly and do not treat them as edible unless every ingredient is food grade and the recipe is intended for culinary use. **Image Disclaimer:** Images are for reference only and should not be used as the sole method of identification. Always confirm identification with a qualified source. Frequently Asked Questions What is lemon myrtle? Lemon myrtle is an aromatic Australian tree known for its strongly lemon-scented leaves. Its botanical name is Backhousia citriodora, and it belongs to the myrtle family, not the citrus family. The leaves are used fresh or dried in teas, cooking, potpourri, simmer pots and natural home fragrance recipes. What does lemon myrtle smell like? Lemon myrtle smells intensely lemony, fresh, green and slightly sweet, with a clean herbal finish. It is usually stronger and more leaf-like than lemon balm, and less juicy than lemon peel. A small amount of dried leaf or essential oil can easily dominate a blend, so it is best used lightly. How do you use lemon myrtle leaves? Lemon myrtle leaves can be used fresh, dried, crushed or powdered. They are commonly steeped as tea, added in small amounts to baking and sauces, or blended into potpourri, sachets and simmer pots. For home fragrance, the dried leaves pair beautifully with dried citrus peel, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender and wood chips. Can lemon myrtle grow in the USA? Yes, lemon myrtle can grow in the USA in warm, mild climates, especially around USDA Zones 9b to 11. In colder regions, it is better grown in a large container that can be moved into protection before freezing weather. It likes bright light, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Is lemon myrtle the same as lemon balm? No. Lemon myrtle and lemon balm are different plants. Lemon myrtle is an Australian tree in the Myrtaceae family, while lemon balm is a soft leafy herb in the mint family. Both have lemony aromas, but lemon myrtle is usually sharper, stronger and more suitable for bold culinary flavoring and home fragrance blends. Is lemon myrtle essential oil safe to use? Lemon myrtle essential oil should be used carefully because it is very strong and naturally high in citral, which can irritate sensitive skin if used too strongly. Do not apply it undiluted. For potpourri or room fragrance, use only a few drops and keep scented blends away from pets, children and delicate surfaces.