Vervain or lemon verbena? History, folklore and precautions
Two plants are called verbena: common vervain, an ancient sacred herb of Europe, and lemon verbena, from South America. History, uses and precautions.
Key points
| Common vervain | Verbena officinalis, family Verbenaceae, a wild plant of Europe |
|---|---|
| Lemon verbena | Aloysia citrodora (formerly Lippia citriodora), a shrub from South America |
| Etymology | Latin verbena, the name of sacred twigs in Rome |
| Scent | Common: faint; lemon: fresh lemon, very fragrant |
| Part used | Leaves and flowering tips |
| Traditional uses | Roman rites, medieval folklore, infusions, sachets |
| Main precaution | Common vervain: not recommended during pregnancy; lemon verbena oil: may cause sensitisation |
Two plants, one name
When people talk about verbena, they mean two plants with quite different histories:
| Common vervain | Lemon verbena | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Verbena officinalis | Aloysia citrodora |
| Family | Verbenaceae | Verbenaceae |
| Origin | Europe | South America, introduced to Europe in modern times |
| Appearance | Perennial herb about 70 cm tall, mauve flowers on slender spikes | Shrub with long, lance-shaped leaves |
| Scent | Faint, herbaceous | Lemony, very strong |
| Current use | Folklore, traditional herbalism | Evening infusions, sachets, perfumery |
In shops, the “verbena” sold for infusions is almost always lemon verbena (“verveine du Velay” is a different thing, the name of a liqueur). Common vervain, the plant of the old herbals, is the wild species.
Common vervain: a sacred herb
The Latin word verbena referred, among the Romans, to sacred twigs used in ceremonies. Pliny the Elder discusses it at length and reports that Gaulish magi used it, which later made it, in 19th-century literature, the “Druids’ herb”. That link is more literary than proven, and we cite it as a reported tradition.
Folklore gives it many names: “tears of Isis” in ancient Egypt, “tears of Juno” later, and “holy herb” among medieval Christians, who said it had been used to dress the wounds of Christ at Calvary. It also appears on Italian amulets, the cimaruta. All these stories are symbols and legends; they do not demonstrate any property.
Lemon verbena: a modern plant
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) comes from Argentina, Chile and Peru. According to the sources, it was brought to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese sailors; botanists document its introduction only from the late 18th century. The genus name, Aloysia, honours Maria Luisa of Parma, Princess of Asturias. Its scent comes largely from citral, a lemon-scented compound (about 30 to 35% of the oil).
It is much more fragrant than common vervain, which explains its popularity in sachets and dried bouquets. It is sensitive to frost and is grown in pots in cold regions.
Decorative uses
- Linen sachets: lemon verbena leaves keep their lemon scent for a long time; mix them with lavender or chamomile.
- Dried bouquets: picked before full flowering and hung upside down.
- Fumigation: small dried quantities burn with a gentle, slightly lemony smoke. Occasional use only, in a well-ventilated room.
Common vervain, which has little scent, is mainly an object of curiosity and folklore. It is hard to buy and is better picked in the garden than bought dried.
Growing and buying
Lemon verbena is sold in pots in garden centres in spring. It likes sun, light soil and little water in winter; it often loses its leaves in the cold and regrows in spring. For dried leaves, pick the stems before flowering and dry them in the shade: they keep a good green colour and a clean scent. If you buy verbena in bulk, ask for the Latin name: Aloysia citrodora for lemon verbena, Verbena officinalis for common vervain. Common vervain also grows wild along roadsides; only pick it if you are completely sure of the identification, and leave most of the plants where they are.
Precautions
- Common vervain: as a precaution, it is not recommended during pregnancy (a risk that has not been proven but is mentioned in the sources). Avoid concentrated infusions without medical advice.
- Lemon verbena, essential oil: the oil can sensitise the skin and cause reactions to light (phototoxicity). Its use in perfumes is regulated by European rules. Never apply it undiluted; see Essential oils: caution.
- Medication: possible interactions with some treatments have been reported; ask your pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between common vervain and lemon verbena?
They are two different plants from the same family. Common vervain is a wild herb of Europe with little scent. Lemon verbena is a very fragrant South American shrub.
Can you burn verbena?
A little dried lemon verbena can be burned, in small sessions and in a well-ventilated room.
Is verbena advised against during pregnancy?
For common vervain, yes, as a precaution. For any plant, ask your doctor or midwife for advice.
Why is verbena called a sacred herb?
Because the Romans called sacred twigs by the name verbena. Ancient folklore built on this idea with legends.
Where can I grow lemon verbena?
In a pot, in the sun, protected from frost: it does not tolerate cold winters.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Herbs, waxes and accessories.