Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Gard. Dict. ed. 8.: n.° 2 (1768))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8.: n.° 2 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lavandula

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: NE. Spain to Italy

Description

Lavender, commonly known and admired for its striking beauty and soothing fragrance, belongs to the species Lavandula angustifolia. This exquisite plant finds its origins stretching from North-Eastern Spain to Italy, flourishing in the temperate regions of the Mediterranean.

A proud member of the Lamiaceae family, Lavender stands out not only for its ornamental value but also for its multitude of practical uses. The delicate purple flowers, arranged in appealing spikes, are not just visually captivating but also emit a distinctive, calming scent that has found its way into various domains, from traditional medicine to modern aromatherapy.

Growing up to around one meter in height, Lavender thrives in well-drained sandy or gravelly soils and prefers a sunny location to reach its full potential. It is particularly well-suited for the dry, warm climates found within its native range. Its hardy nature and low maintenance make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping, providing a splash of color and aroma.

Lavender’s practical applications are vast. In addition to its widespread use in essential oils, perfumes, and sachets for its pleasant fragrance, it has historically been used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalists have utilized Lavender to alleviate various ailments, ranging from skin irritations to anxiety and headaches.

The popularity of Lavender has also entrenched it in culinary practices, where it adds a unique flavor to dishes and beverages. Its flowers and leaves can be used both fresh and dried, introducing a subtle, aromatic taste that complements both sweet and savory recipes.

Referenced in the Garden Dictionary eighth edition published in 1768 by Mill., Lavender’s historical and botanical significance is well-documented and continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In essence, Lavender, with its historical roots and diverse applications, remains a cherished and versatile plant. Whether for aesthetic pleasure, therapeutic use, or culinary delight, Lavandula angustifolia holds a quintessential essence of nature’s artistry and utility.

Common Names

Deu: echter lavendel, lavendel, schmalblatt-lavendel
Eng: english lavender, lavender, common lavender, garden lavender, english lavendar
Fra: lavande officinale, lavande vraie, lavande à feuilles étroites, lavande
Tur: lavanta
Dan: lavendel, ægte lavendel
Por: alfazema, lavanda
Hun: keskenylevelű levendula
Nob: lavendel
Swe: lavendel
Nno: lavendel
Ces: levandule lékařská, levanduĺa úzkolistá
Ell: levanta
Nld: echte lavendel
En: Lavender, English lavender, Common lavender, Garden Lavender, English Lavendar, Izri, Dutch Lavender, True Lavender
Af: Engelse laventel, Laventel
Ar: Khazami, خزامى ضيقة الأوراق
Az: Sünbüllü lavanda
Eu: Izpiliku fin
Be: Лаванда каласовая
Br: Lavand-bihan
Ca: Espígol ver, Espígol, Aspic, Barmaió, Espic, Espígol femella, Lavanda
Zh: 狹葉薰衣草
Cs: Levandule lékařská, Levanduĺa úzkolistá
Da: Ægte Lavendel, Lavendel
Nl: Spijklavendel, Echte lavendel, Gewone Lavendel
Eo: Vera lavendo
Fi: Tähkälaventeli
Fr: Lavande, Lavande à feuilles étroites, Lavande vraie, Lavande officinale, Lavande de montagne, Lavande fine
Gl: Esprego
De: Lavendel, Echter Lavendel, Schmalblatt-Lavendel, Gartenlavandel, Schmalblättriger Lavendel
El: Levanta
He: אזוביון רפואי
Hu: Közönséges levendula, Keskenylevelű levendula
Ga: Lus liath
It: Fior di Spigo, Lavanda vera, Spigo
Kn: ಲ್ಯಾವೆಂಡರ್
Ko: 라벤더
Lt: Tikroji levanda
Ml: ലാവൻഡുല അങ്കുസ്റ്റിഫോളിയ
Nb: Lavendel
Nn: Lavendel
Fa: اسطوخودوس انگلیسی
Pl: Lawenda, Lawenda wąskolistna
Pt: Alfazema, Lavanda
Ru: Лаванда узколистная
Sr: Лаванда
Sk: Levanduľa úzkolistá
Es: Espiego común, Lavanda fina, Lavandula, Alhucema, Espigol, Espliego
Sv: Lavendel
Zh-tw: 狹葉薰衣草
Th: ลาเวนเดอร์สามัญ
Tr: Lavanta
Uk: Лаванда вузьколиста
Ur: انگریزی اسطو خودوس
Vi: Oải hương

Synonyms

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 18, 2019 by ilaria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Paula Ley Valero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2018 by Ephraim Luga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2017 by Mariana de Elias (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Phil Rippin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2015 by Samuel Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2015 by Samuel Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Agustín Fernández (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Kibin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 31, 2020 by Abdi Asakura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Christian Pabst (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Mehmet Basbag (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Jan Löser (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Jan Löser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Daniel SOTTY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Daniel SOTTY (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927305)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:449008-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lavandula angustifolia Mill.)

Specifications

Growth