English Lavender (also known as Common Lavender, True Lavender)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Lamiales, Family: Lamiaceae, Genus: Lavandula, Species: L. angustifolia · Lamiaceae (Mint family) · Simple, evergreen subshrub foliage
Species
Lavandula angustifolia
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen subshrub foliage
Family
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Shape
Linear to lanceolate
Size
Approximately 1 to 2 inches long and 0.1 to 0.2 inches wide, typical for mature leaves of this species
Margin
Entire (smooth, rolled slightly under)
Arrangement
Opposite, clustered densely along the square-shaped stems
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Muted greyish-green to silvery-green due to fine pubescence, preserving a classic dried herb appearance with violet-blue flower spikes at the apex
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and obscure lateral veins
Texture & Surface
Finely pubescent (hairy) and coriaceous (leathery) when fresh, currently dry and papery due to being pressed
Description
An aromatic evergreen subshrub forming a dense, woody-based mound of narrow, silvery-green leaves. It produces tall, slender spikes of highly fragrant, tubular violet-blue flowers in summer that are universally cherished for their calming scent.
Key Features
Narrow linear grey-green leaves with rolled margins, square stems, intensely aromatic foliage and flowers, and terminal spikes of blue-purple flowers
Habitat
Thrives in dry, rocky, well-draining calcareous soils in full sun exposure; highly drought-tolerant once established
Geographic Range
Native to the Mediterranean region (southern Europe, particularly the Pyrenees and other mountainous areas), but cultivated globally in temperate and subtropical gardens
Condition Notes
Good condition for a pressed and dried herbarium specimen; securely attached with tape, retaining structural integrity and characteristic coloration
Interesting Facts
Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years for cosmetics, religious ceremonies, and medicine. The Romans used it to scent their baths, hence the Latin root 'lavare', meaning 'to wash'
Medicinal & Uses
Widely used in aromatherapy for relaxation and sleep, essential oils for skin care and wound healing, culinary applications in baked goods and herbs de Provence, and crafting sachets
Ecological Role
Exceptional pollinator plant that attracts a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects; deer and rabbit resistant due to high essential oil content
Similar Species
Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) which has broader leaves and a more pungent, camphor-like scent, and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), a sterile hybrid with longer flower spikes
Foraging Tips
Best found cultivated in herb gardens or agricultural fields; look for the distinct square stem, silvery linear leaves, and intense floral aroma when crushed
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans in normal culinary or aromatic uses, but concentrated essential oils can be mildly toxic if ingested undiluted and may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals