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