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English lavender

plant
Also known as: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis

Quick Summary

English lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a species within the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the Mediterranean region. It is a small evergreen shrub characterized by fragrant, gray-green leaves and spikes of lilac-purple flowers.12

These plants are widely cultivated for their essential oils, which are extracted from the flowers through distillation and are primarily used in perfumes and cosmetics. The dried flowers have historically been used in sachets, and the ancient Romans incorporated lavender into their baths. Lavender is also sometimes used to flavor foods and beverages and has applications in herbal medicine. Propagation is typically done through cuttings or root division, as cultivated varieties often do not produce seed.12

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