If you’ve ever wondered what gives that vivid lemon scent to some teas and desserts without the sour bite, you’ve probably encountered lemon myrtle. This Australian native tree, scientifically known as Backhousia citriodora, has been used for centuries by Aboriginal communities and is now a staple in modern kitchens, whether you’re curious about its health benefits, its intense aroma, or how to grow one in your garden.
Botanical name: Backhousia citriodora · Native range: Queensland, Australia · Typical height: Up to 20 m (wild), 3–8 m (cultivated) · Lifespan: 30–50 years in optimal conditions · Harvest season: Year-round, best after flowering
Quick snapshot
- Tea, baking, marinades, and seasoning (Auckland Botanic Gardens)
- Antimicrobial, digestive aid, rich in antioxidants (Lawn.com.au)
- Intense lemon scent, used in perfumes and insect repellent (Auckland Botanic Gardens)
- Fast-growing, suitable for pots, attracts pollinators (Medium)
Six key facts that define the plant at a glance.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Backhousia citriodora (Bunnings Australia) |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Native to | Queensland, Australia |
| Height | 3–20 m depending on conditions (Bunnings Australia) |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| Edible parts | Leaves, flowers (Auckland Botanic Gardens) |
What is lemon myrtle used for?
Culinary uses
- Fresh or dried leaves can be used in teas, savoury dishes, and with grilled meats and vegetables (Bunnings Australia).
- Whole leaves can be stuffed in fish or poultry before baking (Auckland Botanic Gardens).
- Ground leaves can be added to shortbread-type biscuits, sauces, desserts, and liqueur (Auckland Botanic Gardens).
- Leaves should be added toward the end of cooking because prolonged cooking reduces flavour (Medium).
Traditional Aboriginal medicine
- Lemon myrtle leaves have been used for food and medicine by Aboriginal Australians (Jane Grows Garden Rooms).
Aromatherapy and essential oil
- The essential oil is a strong source of citral, used in perfumes, soaps, and facial products (Auckland Botanic Gardens).
- Some growers describe lemon myrtle leaves as having exceptionally high citral content relative to other plants (Jane Grows Garden Rooms).
Household cleaning
- Commercial products made from lemon myrtle include soaps, lotions, and other beauty products (Jane Grows Garden Rooms).
- Lemon myrtle essential oil reportedly has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties (Lawn.com.au).
Home cooks get a versatile citrus substitute that works in everything from tea to shortbread, while the cosmetic industry taps into the oil’s antimicrobial claims. The catch: many health claims still rely on low-confidence sources.
The implication: lemon myrtle’s value chain is broad, but the strongest evidence supports its culinary and aromatic uses, not its medicinal reputation.
The upshot: home cooks get a versatile citrus substitute, while the cosmetic industry taps into the oil’s antimicrobial claims, but health claims rely on low-confidence sources.
How big does lemon myrtle grow?
Growth rate
- Fast-growing, up to 1 m per year in ideal conditions (Bunnings Australia).
Size in cultivation vs wild
- Can reach 20 m in native rainforest (Bunnings Australia).
- Typically 3–8 m in gardens (Bunnings Australia).
Pruning to control size
- Regular pruning keeps it compact and encourages bushier growth (Bunnings Australia).
Gardeners who want a manageable tree must prune yearly. Let it run wild and it will dominate a small backyard.
What this means: if space is tight, a potted lemon myrtle with regular pruning stays under 3 m – a good fit for patios.
Where is the best place to plant a lemon myrtle tree?
Sunlight requirements
- Full sun to partial shade (Bunnings Australia).
Soil preferences
- Well-drained, slightly acidic soil (Bunnings Australia).
Container growing
- Grows well in large pots with drainage (Bunnings Australia).
Climate considerations
- Frost-sensitive; best in USDA zones 9–11 (Auckland Botanic Gardens).
Australian and subtropical gardeners can plant in the ground with confidence. Colder climates need a greenhouse or a large pot moved indoors in winter.
The pattern: lemon myrtle is forgiving but not frost-hardy. Container growing is the reliable workaround for temperate regions.
What does lemon myrtle smell like?
Comparison to other citrus herbs
- Intense, sweet lemon scent with hints of lime (Auckland Botanic Gardens).
- Often described as stronger than lemon verbena (Jane Grows Garden Rooms).
Chemical compounds responsible
- Main compound: citral (up to 95%) (Auckland Botanic Gardens).
The same citral that makes the aroma so appealing also makes the oil a potent insect repellent. You either love it or you’re a mosquito.
The catch: the intensity of the scent means a little goes a long way in cooking – too much and the dish becomes soapy.
Can you eat lemon myrtle?
Edible parts
- Leaves and flowers are safe to eat (Auckland Botanic Gardens).
- Commonly used as a spice or herb (Bunnings Australia).
Safety and precautions
- Reported to be safe in normal culinary amounts.
- Avoid excessive consumption during pregnancy due to lack of studies (Lawn.com.au).
Cooking tips
- Use fresh or dried leaves; remove before eating or grind finely.
- Add leaves toward the end of cooking to preserve flavour (Medium).
Pregnant women and anyone with citrus allergies should treat lemon myrtle with caution. The lack of formal safety studies means “better safe than sorry.”
The trade-off: you get a vibrant lemon flavour without the acidity, but the absence of regulatory food-safety data means conservative use is wise.
Lemon myrtle specifications
Seven specs that define the plant across cultivation, chemistry, and use – one pattern: the same traits that make it a great bushfood also make it a high-value essential oil crop.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Backhousia citriodora (Bunnings Australia) |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Native range | Queensland, Australia |
| Height | 3–20 m (wild) / 3–8 m (cultivated) (Bunnings Australia) |
| Growth rate | Up to 1 m/year (Bunnings Australia) |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| Key compound | Citral (up to 95%) (Auckland Botanic Gardens) |
| Edible parts | Leaves, flowers (Auckland Botanic Gardens) |
| Frost tolerance | Frost-sensitive (USDA 9–11) (Auckland Botanic Gardens) |
| Soil preference | Well-drained, slightly acidic (Bunnings Australia) |
How to grow lemon myrtle in 6 steps
- Choose a spot – full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds (Bunnings Australia).
- Prepare the soil – dig in organic matter to ensure well-drained, slightly acidic conditions (Bunnings Australia).
- Plant the tree – dig a hole twice the pot diameter, place the root ball, backfill, and water well (Bunnings Australia).
- Water regularly – keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first year (Bunnings Australia).
- Prune annually – after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth (Bunnings Australia).
- Harvest leaves – pick fresh leaves year-round, preferably after flowering for best oil content (Auckland Botanic Gardens).
Container growers: use a pot at least 40 cm wide, prune hard each spring, and you’ll have a productive lemon myrtle on a patio for years.
What this means: with the right container and care, even a small patio can host a productive lemon myrtle tree.
What we know – and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Backhousia citriodora is the botanical name (Bunnings Australia)
- Leaves are edible and used as a lemon substitute (Auckland Botanic Gardens)
- Citral is the main aromatic compound (Auckland Botanic Gardens)
- The plant became popular in the bushfood industry in the 1990s (Auckland Botanic Gardens)
What’s unclear
- Exact lifespan in container cultivation
- Magical uses are based on folklore, not scientific evidence
- Optimal harvest time for maximum oil content
- Full safety profile for pregnancy and medical use
The pattern: solid botanical and culinary data exists, but health and safety claims require more rigorous study.
Quotes from the bushfood world
Lemon Myrtle is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lemon Herbs’.
– Tuckerbush (commercial grower)
The Lemon Myrtle is a powerful plant. It has an unmistakable smell and can be used in so many ways.
– Australian National Botanic Gardens
For Australian home cooks and gardeners, the choice is clear: grow your own lemon myrtle tree, or pay a premium for dried leaves that lose potency over time. The plant’s versatility across the kitchen, garden, and bathroom cabinet makes it one of the most rewarding native species to cultivate in subtropical and temperate regions alike.
leafyheaven.com, youtube.com, wikihow.com, plotmygarden.com, aussiepulse.com, youtube.com, indigenousplantsforhealth.com
For those looking to cultivate this aromatic native, a detailed lemon myrtle growing guide offers practical advice on soil, watering, and harvesting.
Frequently asked questions
How do you harvest lemon myrtle leaves?
Pick fresh leaves by hand or with scissors year-round. For best flavour, harvest after flowering when oil content is highest. Dry leaves in a cool, dark place for later use.
Can lemon myrtle be grown indoors?
Yes, in a large pot with bright indirect light and good drainage. Keep near a sunny window and rotate regularly. Indoor trees stay smaller and need careful watering.
What pests commonly affect lemon myrtle?
Scale insects, aphids, and spider mites can appear. Use horticultural oil or neem oil. Good air circulation and proper watering reduce pest pressure.
Is lemon myrtle safe for pets?
The essential oil can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large amounts. Dried leaves in small amounts are generally safe, but consult a vet first.
How do you store dried lemon myrtle leaves?
Keep in an airtight container away from light and heat. Use within 12 months for best flavour. Crush or grind just before use to preserve aroma.
What is the difference between lemon myrtle and lemon balm?
Lemon myrtle (a tree) has a much stronger citral oil content and woody leaves. Lemon balm (a herb) has a milder, sweeter lemon scent and soft leaves. They are not interchangeable in cooking.
Does lemon myrtle contain caffeine?
No, lemon myrtle leaves are caffeine-free. The tea is a herbal infusion suitable for any time of day.
How long does it take for lemon myrtle to flower?
From seed, 3–5 years. From a cutting or young plant, flowers can appear in the second year. Blooming occurs in late spring to summer.
Related reading
- Good Food Guide – explore top Australian foods and flavours
- Cradle Mountain Guide – discover Tasmania’s natural wilderness
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Monitor, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.