Aztec Sweet Herb
Lippia dulcis
Family: Verbenaceae
Evergreen perennial ground cover reaching about 2’ tall and 3’ wide though often much shorter. Small, white, verbena-like flowers appear in warm weather.
Grow in full to part sun, maybe avoid to much reflective heat. Best in well-amended soil. Moderate water when established. Hardiness is untested but this species can suffer tip damage below 30°F. Mostly evergreen unless frost knocks off the leaves.
This plant attracts many pollinating insects.
Aztec Sweet Herb leaves are edible raw and can be picked and consumed straight off the plant. The leaves are also sometimes tossed into green salads or mixed into fruit medleys for a sweet addition. Beyond fresh dishes, Aztec Sweet Herb is popularly incorporated into drinks as a sweet addition. They can also be used fresh or dried. Aztec Sweet Herb pairs well with thyme, fennel, ginger, sage, and elderberry. Fresh leaves have a short shelf life and should be immediately used after harvest for the best quality and flavor.
The genus Lippia contains about 174 species, and is named after Augustin Lippi (1678–1705), a French-Italian naturalist and botanist. The species dulcis, means sweet.
This species is native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean (Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico), Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela.