 Verbena also known as lemon verbena, is a handsome deciduous perennial shrub up to 5m high with a woody stem, very fragrant, delicate, pale green, lanceolate leaves arranged in threes, and small pale purple flowers. Often grown as an ornamental bush in gardens, the uses of lemon verbena are similar to those of mint, orange flowers and melissa. Native to Chile and Argentina, it is now cultivated in the Mediterranean region - France, Tunisia, Algeria - as well as Kenya and China. The essential oil is from the harvested herb, and is produced mainly in southern France and North Africa.
Adulteration
True lemon verbena essential oil is virtually non-existant. Most so-called verbena oil is either from the Spanish verbena (an inferior oil) or a mix of lemongrass, lemon, citronella etc. or Lippia citriodora herb distilled over lemon oil.
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