May 31, 2017

Lavender – Lavandula

Lavender – Lavandula

Lavandula angustifolia

Late May 2017

(lavender most commonly True Lavender or English lavender,[2]though not native to England ;also garden lavender,[3] common lavender, narrow-leaved lavender), formerly L. officinalis, is a flowering plant in the familyLamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy, Croatia etc.). The species name

June 9 , 2018

angustifolia is Latin for “narrow leaf”. Previously, it was known as Lavandula officinalis, referring to its medicinal properties

Purchase Info


Scientific Name: Lavendula angustifolia
Family: Lamiaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Linlool, linalyl acetate
Clinical Signs: Nausea, vomiting (not in horses), inappetant

Strongly aromatic shrub growing as high as 1 to 2 metres (3.3 to 6.6 ft) tall. The leaves are evergreen, 2–6 centimetres (0.79–2.36 in) long, and 4–6 millimetres (0.16–0.24 in) broad. The flowers are pinkish-purple (lavender-coloured), produced on spikes 2–8 cm (0.79–3.15 in) long at the top of slender, leafless stems 10–30 cm (3.9–11.8 in) long.
Progress
August 20, 2018
Cultivation
English lavender has an ability to survive with low water consumption. It does not grow well in continuously damp soil and may benefit from increased drainage provided by inorganic mulches such as gravel. It does best in Mediterranean climates similar to its native habitat, characterized by wet winters and dry summers. It is fairly tolerant of low temperatures and it tolerates acid soils but favours neutral to alkaline soils, and in some conditions it may be short-lived.

Uses

Dried Lavandulae flos as used in herbal teas

The flowers and leaves are used as an herbal medicine,[16] either in the form of lavender oil or as an herbal tea. The flowers are also used as a culinary herb, most often as part of the French herb blend called herbes de Provence.

Lavender essential oil, when diluted with a carrier oil, is commonly used as a relaxant with massage therapy. Products for home use, such as lotions, eye pillows (including lavender flowers or the essential oil itself) and bath oils, etc., are also used. Both the petals and the oil are the most popular ingredients in handmade soap.

Dried lavender flowers and lavender essential oil are also used as a prevention against clothing moths, which do not like their scent.[citation needed]

Lavandula angustifolia is included in the Tasmanian Fire Service’s list of low flammability plants, indicating that it is suitable for growing within a building protection zone.[17]

Filed Under: 2017, 2018, Flowers, Herbs, Perennials