Uses
Edible uses
Flowers
Steeped as a Tea
Material uses
The essential oil that is obtained from the flowers is exquisitely scented and has a very wide range of applications, both in the home and commercially. It is commonly used in soap making, in making high quality perfumes (it is also used in 'Eau de Cologne'), it is also used as a detergent and cleaning agent, a food flavouring etc[7][8][9][10][6] and as an insect repellent[11]. When growing the plant for its essential oil content, it is best to harvest the flowering stems as soon as the flowers have faded[12]. Yields of 0.8 - 1% of the oil are obtained[4]. The aromatic leaves and flowers are used in pot-pourri[6] and as an insect repellent in the linen cupboard etc[13][14][15]. They have been used in the past as a strewing herb in order to impart a sweet smell to rooms and to deter insects[16]. The leaves are also added to bath water for their fragrance and therapeutic properties[16]. They are also said to repel mice[15]. The flowering stems, once the flowers have been removed for use in pot-pourri etc, can be tied in small bundles and burnt as incense sticks[12]. Lavender can be grown as a low hedge, responding well to trimming[17]. There are several varieties, such as 'Hidcote Variety', 'Loddon Pink' and 'Folgate Blue' that are suitable for using as dwarf hedges 30 - 50cm tall[12].
Flowers
Medicinal uses(Warning!)
Lavender is a commonly used household herb, though it is better known for its sweet-scented aroma than for its medicinal qualities[18]. However, it is an important relaxing herb, having a soothing and relaxing affect upon the nervous system[18]. The flowering spikes can be dried and used internally in a tincture, though the extracted essential oil is more commonly used. The essential oil is much more gentle in its action than most other essential oils and can be safely applied direct to the skin as an antiseptic to help heal wounds, burns etc[18]. An essential oil obtained from the flowers is antihalitosis, powerfully antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic, nervine, sedative, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[19][4][20][7][21][6]. It is not often used internally, though it is a useful carminative and nervine[19]. It is mainly used externally where it is an excellent restorative and tonic - when rubbed into the temples, for example, it can cure a nervous headache, and it is a delightful addition to the bath-water[19]. Its powerful antiseptic properties are able to kill many of the common bacteria such as typhoid, diphtheria, streptococcus and Pneumococcus, as well as being a powerful antidote to some snake venoms[16]. It is very useful in the treatment of burns, sunburn, scalds, bites, vaginal discharge, anal fissure etc, where it also soothes the affected part of the body and can prevent the formation of permanent scar tissue[19][6]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Immune system'[22].
Essential oil
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Bee attractor
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed[19]. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Usually very east, a high percentage will root within a few weeks[23]. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings 7cm with a heel succeed at almost any time of the year[24]. Layering.
Seed
Rooted cuttings
Cultivation
Succeeds in almost any soil so long as it is well-drained and not too acid[24][25]. Prefers a sunny position in a neutral to alkaline soil[24][19][13]. Prefers a light warm dry soil[26]. When grown in rich soils the plants tend to produce more leaves but less essential oils[19]. Established plants are drought tolerant[27]. Plants are very tolerant of salt wind exposure[K]. When growing for maximum essential oil content, the plant must be given a very warm sunny position and will do best in a light sandy soil, the fragrance being especially pronounced in a chalky soil[12]. Plants are hardy to between -10 and -15°c[28]. Lavender is a very ornamental plant that is often grown in the herb garden and is also grown commercially for its essential oil[24][19]. There are several named varieties[29][3]. Not a very long-lived plant, it can be trimmed to keep it tidy but is probably best replaced every 10 years[25]. Any trimming is best done in spring and should not be done in the autumn since this can encourage new growth that will not be very cold-hardy[25].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Lavandula angustifolia. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Lavandula angustifolia.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
- Salinity
- Drought
- Strong wind
- Maritime exposure
Hedge
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References
- ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (32202/01/01)
- ? 2.02.1 Bryan. J. and Castle. C. Edible Ornamental Garden. Pitman Publishing ISBN 0-273-00098-5 (32202/01/01)
- ? 3.03.13.23.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (32202/01/01)
- ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (32202/01/01)
- ? Ken Fern Lavandula angustifolia Plants for a Future http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lavandula+angustifolia (2013/02/13)
- ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.7 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (32202/01/01)
- ? 7.07.17.27.3 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (32202/01/01)
- ? 8.08.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (32202/01/01)
- ? 9.09.1 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
- ? 10.010.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (32202/01/01)
- ? 11.011.1 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (32202/01/01)
- ? 12.012.112.212.312.4 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (32202/01/01)
- ? 13.013.113.2 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (32202/01/01)
- ? 14.014.1 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (32202/01/01)
- ? 15.015.115.2 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (32202/01/01)
- ? 16.016.116.216.316.4 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (32202/01/01)
- ? 17.017.1 Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0900629649 (32202/01/01)
- ? 18.018.118.218.3 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (32202/01/01)
- ? 19.019.119.219.319.419.519.619.719.8 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (32202/01/01)
- ? 20.020.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (32202/01/01)
- ? 21.021.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
- ? 22.022.1 Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood Publishing Ltd ISBN 0-9517723-0-9 (32202/01/01)
- ? Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (32202/01/01)
- ? 24.024.124.224.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (32202/01/01)
- ? 25.025.125.225.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)
- ? Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (32202/01/01)
- ? Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (32202/01/01)
- ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (32202/01/01)
- ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (32202/01/01)
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