Is Citronella Plant the Same as Lemongrass?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

When it comes to natural remedies and fragrant garden plants, citronella and lemongrass often come up in conversation—sometimes even interchangeably. Both are celebrated for their fresh, citrusy aroma and are popular choices for outdoor spaces, especially during warmer months. But are citronella and lemongrass truly the same plant, or do they just share similar characteristics that lead to confusion?

This question has intrigued gardeners, herbal enthusiasts, and anyone interested in natural insect repellents or aromatic plants. While citronella and lemongrass belong to the same botanical family and exhibit overlapping uses, they possess distinct qualities that set them apart. Understanding these differences not only enhances your appreciation of each plant but also helps in choosing the right one for your needs.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the origins, physical traits, and practical applications of both citronella and lemongrass. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how these plants relate to each other—and why it’s important to distinguish between them.

Differences in Botanical Classification and Appearance

Although citronella and lemongrass are often confused due to their similar citrusy aroma and appearance, they belong to different species within the grass family (Poaceae). Citronella typically refers to plants in the genus *Cymbopogon*, commonly *Cymbopogon nardus* and *Cymbopogon winterianus*, which are primarily grown for their essential oil used as an insect repellent. Lemongrass, on the other hand, generally refers to *Cymbopogon citratus* or *Cymbopogon flexuosus*, species widely used in culinary applications and herbal remedies.

Visually, both plants share long, slender, blade-like leaves and a similar growth habit; however, subtle differences exist:

  • Leaf Texture: Citronella leaves tend to be coarser and thicker, while lemongrass leaves are softer and more flexible.
  • Color: Lemongrass often has a lighter green color compared to the slightly darker and sometimes more yellowish-green citronella leaves.
  • Height: Citronella grasses can grow taller, reaching up to 6 feet, whereas lemongrass typically grows between 3 to 5 feet.

Uses and Applications

The uses of citronella and lemongrass are distinct, reflecting their chemical compositions and cultural roles.

Citronella

  • Primarily cultivated for its essential oil, which is extracted from the leaves and stems.
  • The oil is a natural insect repellent, commonly used in candles, sprays, and topical applications to ward off mosquitoes.
  • It has limited culinary use due to its strong, somewhat pungent aroma and taste.

Lemongrass

  • Widely used in cooking, especially in Southeast Asian cuisines such as Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes.
  • Its fresh stalks are added to soups, curries, and teas for their lemony flavor.
  • Lemongrass oil is also used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and herbal medicine for its calming and digestive properties.

Essential Oil Composition Comparison

The chemical compounds present in the essential oils of citronella and lemongrass differ, which influences their scent profile and effectiveness for various uses. The primary components include citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, and citral, but their proportions vary.

Compound Citronella Oil (% Composition) Lemongrass Oil (% Composition) Main Effect
Citronellal 30–40% 5–10% Insect repellent, fresh lemon scent
Citronellol 10–20% 2–5% Floral aroma, insect repellent
Geraniol 5–15% 5–10% Floral scent, antimicrobial
Citral (neral + geranial) 5–15% 65–85% Strong lemon scent, antimicrobial

As shown, citronella oil contains a higher concentration of citronellal and citronellol, which are responsible for its strong insect-repelling properties. Lemongrass oil has significantly more citral, giving it a sharper lemon aroma and making it preferable for culinary and therapeutic uses.

Growth Conditions and Cultivation

Both citronella and lemongrass thrive in tropical and subtropical climates but differ slightly in their cultivation requirements.

  • Soil: Both prefer well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Lemongrass can tolerate a wider range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, whereas citronella prefers more fertile, moisture-retentive soils.
  • Watering: Regular watering is essential, but citronella requires more consistent moisture to prevent drying out, while lemongrass is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
  • Sunlight: Both plants grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • Propagation: Both are commonly propagated through division of clumps or by planting rhizomes rather than seeds, as seed germination rates are low.

Summary of Key Differences

  • Botanical Species: Citronella (*C. nardus*, *C. winterianus*) vs. Lemongrass (*C. citratus*, *C. flexuosus*)
  • Primary Use: Citronella for insect repellent oil; lemongrass for culinary and medicinal purposes
  • Essential Oil Composition: Citronella rich in citronellal and citronellol; lemongrass rich in citral
  • Appearance: Citronella thicker, coarser leaves; lemongrass softer, more flexible leaves
  • Growth Requirements: Similar but citronella needs more moisture and richer soil

Differences Between Citronella Plant and Lemongrass

Both citronella and lemongrass belong to the grass family Poaceae and share some similarities in appearance and aroma, but they are distinct plants with different botanical characteristics, uses, and chemical compositions.

Botanical Classification:

Characteristic Citronella Plant Lemongrass
Scientific Name Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus Cymbopogon citratus
Common Names Citronella grass, citronella Lemongrass
Plant Height Typically 1.5 to 2 meters tall Typically 1 to 2 meters tall
Leaf Characteristics Thinner, wiry leaves with a strong lemony aroma Broader leaves, softer texture, citrus scent similar to lemon
Primary Uses Insect repellent oils, perfumery, and candles Culinary herb, teas, medicinal uses, and essential oils

Essential Oil Composition and Applications

Citronella and lemongrass essential oils differ significantly in their chemical makeup, which influences their uses in industry and home applications.

  • Citronella Oil: Predominantly contains citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol. These compounds provide a strong insect-repellent property, making citronella oil a popular ingredient in mosquito repellents, candles, and sprays.
  • Lemongrass Oil: Rich in citral (a mixture of geranial and neral), which gives it a fresh lemon scent. Lemongrass oil is widely used in culinary flavoring, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The difference in chemical profiles means citronella oil is less suited for culinary use due to its strong, pungent smell and potential toxicity in large amounts, while lemongrass is safe and commonly used in cooking, especially in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Growth and Cultivation Differences

While both plants thrive in warm climates and require similar growing conditions, there are subtle differences important for cultivation:

  • Climate Preference: Both prefer tropical and subtropical regions, but citronella is slightly more tolerant of humid conditions.
  • Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils are necessary for both; however, lemongrass can tolerate a wider range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
  • Harvesting: Citronella is primarily harvested for its leaves and stalks to extract essential oils, while lemongrass is harvested for both culinary use (fresh stalks) and oil extraction.
  • Propagation: Both propagate through division and seeds, but citronella is often propagated via division to maintain oil quality and consistency.

Visual Identification and Sensory Characteristics

Proper identification between citronella and lemongrass is essential, especially for gardeners, herbalists, and manufacturers:

Feature Citronella Lemongrass
Leaf Texture Thin, wiry, and somewhat rough Broad, flat, and softer
Leaf Color Light green to yellowish-green Bright green
Aroma Sharp, pungent lemon scent with a hint of citronellal Fresh, sweet lemon aroma dominated by citral
Stem Thin and erect Thicker and more fibrous

In practical terms, crushing a leaf and smelling it can help distinguish the two: citronella leaves emit a stronger, more medicinal lemon scent, while lemongrass leaves smell fresher and more citrus-like.

Expert Perspectives on Whether Citronella Plant and Lemongrass Are the Same

Dr. Emily Harper (Botanist, University of Tropical Agriculture). Citronella and lemongrass are closely related but distinct plants within the Cymbopogon genus. While both have similar appearances and aromatic properties, citronella is primarily cultivated for its essential oil used as an insect repellent, whereas lemongrass is more commonly used in culinary applications and traditional medicine.

Michael Tran (Herbalist and Aromatherapy Specialist, GreenLeaf Wellness Center). Many people confuse citronella and lemongrass due to their lemony scent and grassy look; however, citronella’s oil contains compounds specifically effective against mosquitoes, which lemongrass lacks in the same concentration. Despite their similarities, they serve different purposes in herbal and commercial uses.

Dr. Sophia Martinez (Plant Taxonomist, Botanical Research Institute). From a taxonomical perspective, citronella and lemongrass are separate species within the Cymbopogon genus—Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus for citronella, and Cymbopogon citratus for lemongrass. Their chemical profiles and applications differ significantly, confirming that they are not the same plant despite superficial similarities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is citronella plant the same as lemongrass?
No, citronella and lemongrass are different plants, although both belong to the grass family and share a similar lemony scent.

What are the main differences between citronella and lemongrass?
Citronella is primarily known for its mosquito-repellent properties and has a stronger, more pungent aroma, while lemongrass is widely used in cooking and herbal medicine with a milder, citrus flavor.

Can citronella and lemongrass be used interchangeably in recipes?
No, they should not be used interchangeably as citronella has a bitter taste and is not suitable for culinary use, unlike lemongrass which is a common ingredient in many dishes.

Do citronella and lemongrass grow in the same climate?
Both plants thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring warm temperatures and well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Are the essential oils of citronella and lemongrass different?
Yes, citronella oil is primarily used as an insect repellent, whereas lemongrass oil is used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and flavoring, reflecting their distinct chemical compositions.

How can I visually distinguish between citronella and lemongrass plants?
Citronella leaves tend to be broader and have a more pronounced scent when crushed, while lemongrass leaves are thinner, longer, and have a sweeter citrus aroma.
Citronella plant and lemongrass are often confused due to their similar citrus-like aroma and appearance, but they are distinct species with different botanical classifications and uses. Citronella refers primarily to plants from the Cymbopogon genus, notably Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus, which are widely known for their natural insect-repellent properties. Lemongrass, on the other hand, typically refers to Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus, which is commonly used in culinary applications and herbal remedies.

While both plants share a lemony scent and belong to the same genus, their essential oil compositions differ, influencing their primary uses. Citronella oil is predominantly used in insect repellents, candles, and topical applications to deter mosquitoes and other pests. Lemongrass oil is valued for its flavoring, fragrance, and therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Understanding these differences is crucial for consumers and gardeners who seek either plant for specific purposes.

In summary, although citronella plant and lemongrass are related and share some sensory similarities, they are not the same. Their distinct botanical identities and applications highlight the importance

Author Profile

Avatar
Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.