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Lavender

(also referred to as...)

Common Lavender, English Lavender

Latin Name: Lavandula augustifolia

Family: Labiatae

 
Description

Lavender has one of the most universally recognized scents. It has a long history of use for its magical powers. North African tribal women used it as protection from mistreatment by their husbands, while, in Tuscany, Lavender was thought to shield children from the "evil-eye".

The conquering Romans took lavender to England where it quickly became a popular herb used to freshen the air and add scent to linens. It has been used for centuries in fragrant sachets, soaps, perfumes and pot-pourri. Lavender was introduced to North America by early settlers who also used the herb as an anti-septic and healing agent.

This perennial is a member of the mint family and is native to Mediterranean regions, Middle East and India. It is widely grown in North America. Lavender prefers well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil, in an open, sunny location. Many lavenders are barely winter hardy and should not be cut back until spring. The plants should also be mulched in the fall for added protection. Lavender becomes woody with age and should be replaced every five to seven years.

Flowers are picked as they begin to open and used fresh, distilled for oil, or dried for use in infusions, spirits, tinctures, and pot-pourri.

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