The lavender plant, also known as Lavandula, belongs to the mint family, Lamiaciae. It is an indigenous herb belonging to the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.
A field of lavender
image by "Lavender Blue" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Limbo Poet (Fred) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
The Lavender is perennial herb ranging in height from 1 to 3 feet, depending on the variety. Leaves are blue-green to blue-gray in color, with narrow, fragrant 1- to 2-inch long blossoms, which sit on slender stems.
Lavender was used both medicinally and therapeutically in both Greek and Roman medicine. The Greeks utilized lavender for laxative and stimulant effects, and the Romans used lavender as a pleasing scent for bathwater.
Grow lavender in soil that is fast-draining, preferably sandy and slightly alkaline. Lavender needs full sun, moderate amounts of water and very little fertilizer.
English lavender is very fragrant, achieves heights of 3 to 4 feet, and blooms in July and August. French lavender can bloom throughout the year in milder regions and has flowers slightly darker than English lavender. Spanish lavender is a short, stocky plant, 1 to 3 feet tall, with small dark purple flowers that are approximately 1/4 inch long.
Lavender is a bee and butterfly attractor. The essential oil of lavender is considered one of the most intricate of essential oils. Lavender also has its place in culinary practices as a flavorful addition to desserts and breads.
- Using Lavender in Cooking
Lavandula, Lavender, English Lavender
About this Author
Katelyn Lynn has been writing health and wellness articles since 2007. Her work appears on various websites. Lynn is a certified holistic health practitioner who specializes in orthomolecular medicine and preventative modalities. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from TUI University and has extensive experience in botany and horticulture.