Lemon Grass ”Cymbopogon” (Barbed Wire Grass/Silky Heads/Cochin Grass/Malabar Grass/Oily Heads/Fever Grass)

A native of Southeast Asia, West Indian lemon grass, or Cymbopogon citratus, is a versatile plant with multiple benefits. For gardeners looking to get the most bang for their buck, certain edible landscaping plants, such as lemongrass, can fill two desires. This ornamental grass increases curb appeal and offers tasty fresh herbs for the kitchen.

Lemongrass grows with abundance in areas where conditions mimic the warm and humid habitat of its origin. The plant likes lots of heat, light, and moisture: Provide this, and your lemongrass will grow and multiply quickly. If you’re planting lemon grass in a pot, use well-draining potting soil and a pot that is large and wide enough to ensure it won’t tip over, since lemon grass can grow quite tall.