Lavandula angustifolia
Record ID:82Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Lavandula angustifolia |
| Common Names: | Common Lavender, True Lavender, Garden Lavender |
| Key Name: | English Lavender |
| Parts Used: | Flowers, leaves, essential oil |
| Sister Plants: | Lavandula dentata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis |
| Comments: | Perennial shrub highly attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial shrub (1-3 ft), woody base, erect stems, narrow linear leaves with gray-green hue, purple flower spikes (1-2 in), blooming summer |
| Stem: | Erect, 1-3 ft, woody at base, gray-green |
| Leaves: | Narrow, linear, 1-2 inches, gray-green, aromatic |
| Flowers: | Purple flower spikes, 1-2 in, blooming June-August |
| Fruit: | Small nutlets, 2-3 mm, enclosed in calyx |
| Taste: | Bitter (leaves), aromatic (flowers) |
| Odour: | Strong, floral scent from flowers |
| Root: | Woody taproot, supports drought tolerance |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.mqr-sNur_sE18_XCQDg3ZQHaFs%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=8c77269514efc320f870cd7f288befdc0fa0e7c3795a22dc2f4abbc1a8a297da&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to the Mediterranean, cultivated worldwide |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds in spring or propagate cuttings; space 12-18 inches apart; water sparingly, tolerates drought |
| Harvest: | Flowers: Summer (June-August); Leaves: Year-round |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Calmative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative |
| Medical Uses: | Used for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, inflammation, minor burns, and digestive issues; oil for aromatherapy and skin care |
| Constituents: | Linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, tannins |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), oil (distillation) |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 2-3 drops in carrier oil |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion; External: Oil or poultice |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause allergic reactions; avoid during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider with low blood pressure |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water 10 min; Oil: Steam distill flowers |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for calming effects or skin irritations in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, essential oil, sachets, insect repellent |
| Culinary Uses: | Flowers in teas, baked goods, or as flavoring |
| History: | Used in Mediterranean and European herbal traditions since ancient times; popularized in perfumery |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lavandula+angustifolia |
| Share: | Private |