Lemon myrtle

Backhousia citriodora

Family: Myrtaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Human edibility

Not yet checked.

Edible parts

Not yet checked.

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No ASPCA page was found and no other pet source was read, so there is no pet verdict. This is not a finding that it is safe. The plant is strongly aromatic with oil-rich leaves; ANBG describes the aroma only and makes no toxicity statement.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Plants that share its name. To tell them apart: The ANBG page lists 'Lemon Ironwood', 'Lemon-scented Myrtle' and 'Sweet Verbena Tree' as names for this species. 'Lemon-scented' and 'verbena' names are used loosely for other plants, so match the scientific name..

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Water needs: Planting soil should be "rich, moist, well mulched and well composted" (ANBG); no watering rate given
Mature size: Up to 8 m tall (ANBG).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon