What is the key difference between fever grass and lemon grass?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite common confusion, fever grass and lemon grass are essentially the same plant, with "fever grass" being a regional name for lemongrass, especially in the Caribbean, referring to its traditional use for treating fevers. This versatile herb, part of the Cymbopogon genus, is widely appreciated for its lemony scent and flavor.

Quick Summary

Fever grass and lemongrass are different names for the same plant species, primarily Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus. The variation in terminology is geographical, with 'fever grass' being a popular name in the Caribbean due to its medicinal history.

Key Points

Identity: Fever grass and lemon grass are not different plants; they are alternative names for the same herb, primarily Cymbopogon citratus.
Naming Origin: "Fever grass" is a regional name used primarily in the Caribbean, based on the herb's traditional use for reducing fevers.
Shared Characteristics: Both names refer to a plant with a distinctive, sweet, lemon-like scent and flavor.
Common Uses: The plant is used in culinary dishes like soups and curries, as well as in herbal teas for its medicinal properties.
Medicinal Properties: The herb contains antioxidants and compounds like citral that provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.

The widespread belief that fever grass and lemon grass are two distinct plants is a common misconception rooted in regional terminology. In reality, "fever grass" is a colloquial name for lemongrass, particularly in the Caribbean and other tropical regions, a name derived from its historical use in traditional medicine to reduce fever. This article clarifies that they are one and the same, belonging to the genus Cymbopogon.

The Botanical Identity of Fever Grass and Lemon Grass

To understand the connection, it's crucial to look at the botanical classification. Both plants fall under the Cymbopogon genus, which includes approximately 55 species of tall, fragrant grasses. The two most common species referred to as lemongrass are:

Cymbopogon citratus: Known as West Indian or tropical lemongrass. This is the species most commonly used in culinary applications worldwide.
Cymbopogon flexuosus: Known as East Indian, Cochin, or Malabar grass. It is also used culinarily and medicinally, and its essential oil is widely produced.

While there might be slight variations between these species, such as essential oil composition, they are largely interchangeable for home cooking and herbal remedies. The key takeaway is that when someone refers to fever grass, they are almost certainly talking about lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus or a similar species).

Historical and Regional Naming

The name "fever grass" is a direct reference to the plant's medicinal past. In traditional folk medicine, particularly in the Caribbean and parts of Africa and Asia, a tea brewed from the leaves of this grass was a popular remedy for reducing fevers, easing stomach aches, and treating flu-like symptoms. The name stuck in these regions as a testament to its long-standing therapeutic reputation. Meanwhile, the name "lemon grass" became more popular in other parts of the world, emphasizing its distinct, citrusy fragrance and flavor.

Other Regional Names

Caribbean: Fever Grass, especially in Jamaica, Guyana, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Africa and Asia: Names vary but often relate to its medicinal properties.
Southeast Asia: Culinary use is paramount, and it is known as serai (Malay).
Worldwide: Cymbopogon, citronella grass, and more.

Shared Characteristics

Since fever grass and lemon grass are the same plant, they share all the same characteristics.

Appearance: A tall, tufted, perennial grass with long, thin, blade-like leaves that grow in dense clumps.
Aroma and Flavor: A pungent, citrusy aroma and a mild, sweet, lemony flavor.
Culinary Uses: An essential ingredient in Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Vietnamese dishes, adding a zesty kick to curries, soups, and stir-fries. It is also a popular ingredient for herbal teas.
Medicinal Properties: The plant is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains beneficial compounds like citral.

Fever Grass vs. Lemon Grass: A Comparative Overview


Feature	Fever Grass	Lemon Grass
Botanical Identity	Cymbopogon citratus (mostly) and other species	Cymbopogon citratus (mostly) and other species
Scientific Name	Cymbopogon citratus	Cymbopogon citratus
Naming Origin	Historical medicinal use for fevers	Descriptive name for its lemony scent and flavor
Common Regions	Caribbean, parts of Latin America	Global, especially Southeast Asia and Western countries
Culinary Uses	Teas, herbal remedies	Teas, curries, soups, marinades, flavorings
Medicinal Uses	Fever reduction, digestion, pain relief	Digestion, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties
Aroma	Citrusy, lemon-like	Citrusy, lemon-like

The One Exception to the Rule

It is important to note that while the names are generally interchangeable, a single anecdotal source claims a distinction based on plant size and stem color. However, this is not supported by mainstream botanical information or the vast majority of resources, which confirms the names refer to the same group of plants. Different species within the Cymbopogon genus, or variations within a single species due to growing conditions, could account for perceived differences.

Conclusion: Same Plant, Different Heritage

To conclude, the difference between fever grass and lemon grass is purely semantic, not botanical. They are two names for the same versatile and aromatic plant, which has been prized for its culinary and medicinal properties for centuries. The name a person uses often depends on their cultural or regional background. The rich history and widespread use of this plant are why it has accumulated so many different names over time. So, whether you call it fever grass or lemon grass, you are referring to the same delicious and healthful herb. For more information on the botanical classification and varieties, the Wikipedia page on Cymbopogon is an excellent resource. Wikipedia: Cymbopogon

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, fever grass and lemongrass are the same plant. "Fever grass" is a colloquial term, most popular in the Caribbean, that refers to lemongrass, particularly the species Cymbopogon citratus.

Lemongrass is called fever grass due to its historical use in traditional medicine, particularly in the Caribbean, where a tea made from the plant was used as a remedy to lower fevers.

Yes, you can substitute them interchangeably. They are the same plant and offer the same culinary flavor and aroma.

Since they are the same plant, they share the same medicinal properties. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits attributed to compounds like citral.

No, there is no scientific difference in standard usage. Botanically, both refer to species within the Cymbopogon genus, with Cymbopogon citratus being the most common.

The flavor is distinctive and citrusy, with a sweeter and milder profile than a lemon. It adds a fresh, aromatic quality to dishes and teas.

The name fever grass originates from its traditional medicinal application. In many cultures, particularly in the Caribbean, it was brewed as a healing tea to relieve fevers, which led to the descriptive name.