Family: Lamiaceae
Growth form: perennial subshrub
Hardiness:most hardy only to
southern California (Zone 9); lavender and lavandin hardy to Pennsylvania (Zone 6).
Light: full sun
Water: moist to somewhat dry, can
withstand drought when established.
Soil: well-drained gravelly or
rocky loam, pH 6.4 to 8.2, average 7.1 (L. angustifolia)
PropagationL cuttings in summer,
seeds in spring, 25,000 seeds per ounce (882/g) (L. angustifolia)
Culinary Use: some desserts,
sugars, liqueurs
Craft use: potpourri, wreaths,
dried flowers
Landscape Use: effective massed
in shrub or perennial border, hedge, edging
Languages:
French: lavande
German: :Lavendel
Dutch: lavendal
Italian: lavanda vera, nardo,
spigo
Spanish: espliego, lavandula,
alhucema, alhucemilla
Portuguese: alfazema, rosmaninho,
lavandav
Swedish: lavendel
Russian: lavanda
The odor of lavender if light, clean
and refreshing as befits a plant whose scientific name is derived from the Latin lavare, to
wash. The Romans and Greeks used lavender flowers in their baths just as we use the flowers and
oils today.
Astrology: Mercury owns this
herb.
Flowering time: Midsummer
Medicinal Virtues: It is of
especial use for pains in the head and brain following cold, apoplexy, failing-sickness, the
dropsy or sluggish malady, cramps, convulsion, palsies, and faintings. It provokes women’s
courses and expels the dead child and afterbirth.
Modern uses: Lavender is
stimulating and carminative. Its aromatic properties make it useful in pharmacy to add to
lotions and creams. Caution is needed when using the essential oil as it is extremely potent.
References:
Culpepper’s Color Herbal by David Potterton
The Big
Book Of Herbs by Arthur O. Tucker and Thomas DeBaggio
Remember with
all herbs and other medications, you should consult your physician before using or mixing with
other medications.
Submitted by Uni
