A member of the geranium family, citronella carries the fragrance of citrus in its foliage. When leaves are crushed and the oil rubbed on the skin, it smells wonderful and may help naturally discourage mosquitoes.

Is geranium the same as citronella?

Though many of its names leave the impression that it contains citronella, which is a common ingredient in insect repellent, the plant is actually a variety of scented geranium that simply produces a citronella-like scent when the leaves are crushed.

What kind of plant is citronella?

The term “citronella plant” can refer to two different types of plants: citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) and a scented geranium variously known as citrosa or mosquito plant (Pelargonium citrosum). Citronella grass is an inedible grass related to lemongrass.