Editing Lavandula

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Short description|Genus of plants}}
{{Redirect|Lavender|the color|Lavender (color)|other uses|Lavender (disambiguation)}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| name = Lavender
| image = Single lavender flower02.jpg
| image_caption = Lavender flowers with [[bract]]s
| display_parents = 2
| taxon = Lavandula
| authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
| synonyms_ref= <ref name="POWO">{{cite web|url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:20960-1 |title= ''Lavandula'' L. |date=2024 |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref>
| synonyms=*''Stoechas'' <small>Mill.</small>
*''Fabricia'' <small>Adans.</small>
*''Styphonia'' <small>Medik.</small>
*''Chaetostachys'' <small>Benth.</small> 
*''Sabaudia'' <small>Buscal. & Muschl.</small>
*''Plectranthus mona lavender'' 
*''Isinia'' <small>Rech.f.</small>
| type_species = ''[[Lavandula spica]]''
| type_species_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''''Lavandula''''' (common name '''lavender''') is a [[genus]] of 47 known species of [[perennial]] [[flowering plant]]s in the sage family, [[Lamiaceae]].<ref name="POWO"/> It is [[native plant|native]] to the [[Old World]], primarily found across the drier, warmer regions of the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]], with an affinity for maritime breezes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-01-27 |title=How do you plant a seaside garden? Planting for coastal conditions |url=https://www.learningwithexperts.com/gardening/blog/how-do-you-plant-a-seaside-garden-planting-for-coastal-conditions |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Learning with Experts |language=en}}</ref>

Lavender is found on the [[Iberian Peninsula]] and around the entirety of the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean coastline]] (including the [[Adriatic Sea|Adriatic coast]], the [[Balkans]], the [[Levant]], and coastal [[North Africa]]), in parts of [[East Africa|Eastern]] and [[Southern Africa]] and the [[Middle East]], as well as in [[South Asia]] and on the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/houseplants/mona-lavender |title=Outdoor flowering plants – mona lavender |last= Forney |first=Julie Martens  |date=n.d. |website= HGTV |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref> 

Many members of the genus are cultivated extensively in [[temperate climate]]s as [[ornamental plant]]s for garden and landscape use, for use as [[culinary herb]]s, and also commercially for the extraction of [[essential oil]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j560 |title=''Plectranthus'' Mona lavender |website= Plant Finder |publisher=Missouri Botanical Garden |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref> Lavender is used in [[traditional medicine]] and as an ingredient in [[cosmetics]].

==Description==
The genus includes annual or short-lived [[herbaceous]] [[perennial]] plants, and [[shrub]]-like perennials, [[subshrub]]s or small shrubs.<ref name="upsonandrews">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xvgq-6VAX8kC |last1=Upson |first1=T. |last2=Andrews |first2=S. |title=The Genus Lavandula |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 2004 |access-date=30 March 2012 |isbn=9780881926422 |year=2004 }}</ref>

[[Leaf shape]] is diverse across the genus. They are simple in some commonly cultivated species; in other species, they are pinnately toothed, or [[pinnate]], sometimes multiple pinnate and dissected. In most species, the leaves are covered in fine hairs or [[indumentum]], which normally contain essential oils.<ref name="upsonandrews"/>

Flowers are contained in [[whorl (botany)|whorls]], held on spikes rising above the foliage, the spikes being branched in some species. Some species produce colored [[bract]]s at the tips of the [[inflorescence]]s. The flowers may be blue, violet, or lilac in the wild species, occasionally blackish purple or yellowish. The [[sepal]] calyx is tubular. The [[corolla (flower)|corolla]] is also tubular, usually with five lobes (the upper lip often cleft, and the lower lip has two clefts).<ref>{{Cite book  |last=Bailey |first=L. H. |year=1924 |title=Manual of Cultivated Plants |url=https://digital.library.cornell.edu/catalog/chla3144681 |location=New York |publisher=MacMillan Publishing Company}}</ref>

===Phytochemicals===
Some 100 individual [[phytochemical]]s have been identified in lavender oil, including major contents of [[linalyl acetate]] (30–55%), [[linalool]] (20–35%), [[tannin]]s (5–10%), and [[caryophyllene]] (8%), with lesser amounts of [[sesquiterpenoid]]s, [[perillyl alcohol]]s, [[ester]]s, [[oxide]]s, [[ketone]]s, [[cineole]], [[camphor]], beta-[[ocimene]], [[limonene]], [[caproic acid]], and [[caryophyllene]] oxide.<ref name="drugs">{{cite web |date=19 December 2022 |title=Lavender |url=https://www.drugs.com/npp/lavender.html |access-date=24 June 2024 |publisher=Drugs.com}}</ref><ref name="lactmed">{{cite web |date=3 December 2018 |title=Lavender |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501865/ |access-date=15 August 2019 |publisher=Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Library of Medicine, US National Institutes of Health |pmid=30000925}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Umezu |first1=Toyoshi |last2=Nagano |first2=Kimiyo |last3=Ito |first3=Hiroyasu |last4=Kosakai |first4=Kiyomi |last5=Sakaniwa |first5=Misao |last6=Morita |first6=Masatoshi |date=1 December 2006 |title=Anticonflict effects of lavender oil and identification of its active constituents |journal=Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior |volume=85 |issue=4 |pages=713–721 |doi=10.1016/j.pbb.2006.10.026 |pmid=17173962 |s2cid=21779233}}</ref> The relative amounts of these compounds vary considerably among lavender species.<ref name="drugs" />

== Taxonomy ==
''[[Lavandula stoechas]]'', ''[[Lavandula pedunculata|L.&nbsp;pedunculata]]'', and ''[[Lavandula dentata|L.&nbsp;dentata]]'' were known in Roman times.<ref name="Lis">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8gmsF-FQWuUC |editor-last=Lis-Balchin |editor-first=Maria |year=2002 |title=Lavender: The genus ''Lavandula'' |location= London, England, UK |publisher=Taylor and Francis |isbn=0-415-28486-4}}</ref>{{rp|51}} From the Middle Ages onwards, the European species were considered two separate groups or genera, ''Stoechas'' (''L.&nbsp;stoechas'', ''L.&nbsp;pedunculata'', ''L.&nbsp;dentata'') and ''Lavandula'' (''L.&nbsp;spica'' and ''L.&nbsp;latifolia''), until [[Carl Linnaeus]] combined them. He recognised only five species in ''[[Species Plantarum]]'' (1753), ''[[Lavandula multifida|L.&nbsp;multifida]]'' and ''[[Lavandula dentata|L.&nbsp;dentata]]'' (Spain) and ''[[Lavandula stoechas|L.&nbsp;stoechas]]'' and ''L.&nbsp;spica'' from Southern Europe. ''[[Lavandula pedunculata|L.&nbsp;pedunculata]]'' was included within ''[[Lavandula stoechas|L.&nbsp;stoechas]]''.

By 1790, ''[[Lavandula pinnata|L.&nbsp;pinnata]]'' and ''L.&nbsp;carnosa'' were recognised. The latter was subsequently transferred to ''[[Anisochilus]]''. By 1826, [[Frédéric Charles Jean Gingins de la Sarraz]] listed 12 species in three sections, and by 1848 eighteen species were known.<ref name="Lis" />{{rp|51}}

One of the first modern major classifications was that of Dorothy Chaytor in 1937 at Kew. The six sections she proposed for 28 species still left many intermediates that could not easily be assigned. Her sections included ''[[Stoechas]]'', ''[[Spica]]'', ''Subnudae'', ''Pterostoechas'', ''[[Chaetostachys]]'', and ''Dentatae''. However, all the major cultivated and commercial forms resided in the ''[[Stoechas]]'' and ''[[Spica]]'' sections. There were four species within ''Stoechas'' (''[[Lavandula stoechas]]'', ''[[Lavandula dentata|L.&nbsp;dentata]]'', ''[[Lavandula viridis|L.&nbsp;viridis]]'', and ''[[Lavandula pedunculata|L.&nbsp;pedunculata]]'') while ''Spica'' had three (''L.&nbsp;officinalis'' (now ''[[Lavandula angustifolia|L.&nbsp;angustifolia]]''), ''[[Lavandula latifolia|L.&nbsp;latifolia]]'' and ''[[Lavandula lanata|L.&nbsp;lanata]]''). She believed that the garden varieties were [[Hybrid (biology)#Hybrid plants|hybrids]] between true lavender ''[[Lavandula angustifolia|L.&nbsp;angustifolia]]'' and spike lavender (''[[Lavandula latifolia|L.&nbsp;latifolia]]'').<ref>Chaytor D A. A taxonomic study of the genus Lavandula. 1937</ref>

''Lavandula'' has three subgenera:<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Habàn |first=Miroslav |date=2023-05-16 |title=Lavandula Species, Their Bioactive Phytochemicals, and Their Biosynthetic Regulation |journal=International Journal of Molecular Sciences |volume=24 |issue=10 |page=8831 |doi=10.3390/ijms24108831 |pmid=37240177 |pmc=10219037 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |display-authors=3|vauthors=Moja S, Guitton Y, Nicole F, Jullien F, Legendre L, Pasquier B, Upson T |date=November 2016 |title=Genome size and plastid trnK-matK markers give new insights into the evolutionary history of the genus Lavandula L. |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/11263504.2015.1014006 |journal=Plant Biosystems |volume=150 |issue=6 |pages=1216–1224 |doi= 10.1080/11263504.2015.1014006|bibcode=2016PBios.150.1216M |s2cid= 84974038|via=Ebsco}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Héral |first1=Bénédicte |last2=Stierlin |first2=Émilie |last3=Fernandez |first3=Xavier |last4=Michel |first4=Thomas |date=2021 |title=Phytochemicals from the genus Lavandula: a review |url= |journal=Phytochemistry Reviews |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=751–771 |doi=10.1007/s11101-020-09719-z |bibcode=2021PChRv..20..751H |s2cid=224898995 |via=SpringerLink}}</ref> 
*Subgenus ''Lavandula'' is mainly of woody shrubs with entire leaves. It contains the principal species grown as ornamental plants and for oils. They are found across the Mediterranean region to northeast Africa and western Arabia.
*Subgenus ''Fabricia'' consists of shrubs and herbs, and it has a wide distribution from the Atlantic to India. It contains some ornamental plants.
*Subgenus ''Sabaudia'' constitutes two species in the southwest Arabian peninsula and Eritrea, which are rather distinct from the other species, and are sometimes placed in their own genus ''Sabaudia''.

In addition, there are numerous hybrids and cultivars in commercial and horticultural usage.<ref name="upsonandrews" />

The first major [[clade]] corresponds to subgenus ''Lavandula'', and the second ''Fabricia''. The ''Sabaudia'' group is less clearly defined. Within the ''Lavandula'' clade, the subclades correspond to the existing sections but place ''[[Dentatae]]'' separately from ''[[Stoechas]]'', not within it. Within the ''Fabricia'' clade, the subclades correspond to ''[[Pterostoechas]]'', ''[[Subnudae]]'', and ''[[Chaetostachys]]''.

Thus the current classification includes 39 species distributed across 8 sections (the original 6 of Chaytor and the two new sections of Upson and [[Susyn M. Andrews|Andrews]]), in three subgenera (see table below). However, since lavender [[crosspollination|cross-pollinates]] easily, countless variations present difficulties in classification.

=== Taxonomic table ===
[[File:Snowshil-Lavender.jpg|thumb|Different lavender [[cultivar]]s growing at [[Snowshill]], the [[Cotswolds]], UK]]
This is based on the classification of Upson and Andrews, 2004.
[[File:Lavender Field Sutton.jpg|thumb|Lavender field in [[Carshalton]], in the [[London Borough of Sutton]]]]
[[File:Hitchin lavender fields.jpg|thumb|Lavender field in [[Hitchin]], UK.]]
[[File:Çuxur Qəbələ k - Qəbələ r. lavanda sahəsi.jpg|thumb|Lavender field in [[Çuxur Qəbələ]], [[Qabala District]], [[Azerbaijan]]]]
{|
|- valign="top"
|
I. Subgenus ''Lavendula'' <small>Upson & S.Andrews</small>
:i. Section ''Lavandula'' (3 species)
:*''[[Lavandula angustifolia]]'' <small>[[Philip Miller|Mill.]]</small>
:: subsp. ''angustifolia'' — [[Catalonia]] and the [[Pyrenees]].
:: subsp. ''pyrenaica'' — SE [[France]] and nearby Mediterranean coastal regions of [[Croatia]], Italy, Spain.
:*''[[Lavandula latifolia]]'' <small>Medik</small> — central [[Portugal]], east-central [[Spain]], southern France, northern [[Italy]].
:*''[[Lavandula lanata]]'' <small>Boiss.</small> — southern Spain.
:
:<u>Hybrids:</u>
:*''Lavandula × chaytorae'' <small>Upson & S.Andrews</small> (''L. angustifolia'' subsp. ''angustifolia'' × ''L. lanata'')
:*''Lavandula × intermedia'' <small>Emeric ex Loisel.</small> (''L. angustifolia'' subsp. ''angustifolia'' × ''L. latifolia'')
:
:ii. Section ''Dentatae'' <small>Suarez-Cerv. & Seoane-Camba</small> (1 species)
:*''[[Lavandula dentata]]'' <small>L.</small> — east Spain, coastal [[Algeria]], and northern and SW [[Morocco]].
:: var. ''dentata'' (''rosea'', ''albiflora''), ''candicans'' (''persicina'') <small>[Batt.]</small>
:iii. Section ''Stoechas'' <small>Ging.</small> (3 species)
:*''[[Lavandula stoechas]]'' <small>L.</small> 
:: subsp. ''stoechas'' — mostly coastal regions of east Spain, southern France, west Italy, [[Greece]], [[Bulgaria]], southern coastal [[Turkey]], Levantine coast, and many Mediterranean islands.
:: subsp. ''luisieri'' — coastal and inland Portugal and border regions of Spain.
:*''[[Lavandula pedunculata]]'' <small>[[Philip Miller|Mill.]](Cav.)</small>
:: subsp. ''pedunculata'' — Spain and Portugal.
:: subsp. ''cariensis'' — western Turkey and southern Bulgaria.
:: subsp. ''atlantica'' — montane Morocco.
:: subsp. ''lusitanica'' — southern Portugal and SW Spain.
:: subsp. ''sampaiana'' — from Portugal and SW Spain.
:*''[[Lavandula viridis]]'' <small>L'Her.</small> — SW Spain, Portugal, and possibly also on [[Madeira]].
:Intersectional hybrids (''Dentatae'' and ''Lavendula'')
:*''Lavandula × heterophylla'' <small>Viv.</small> (''L. dentata'' × ''L. latifolia'' )
:*''Lavandula × allardii'' <small></small>
:*''Lavandula × ginginsii'' <small>Upson & S.Andrews</small> (''L. dentata'' × ''L. lanata'' )

II. Subgenus ''Fabricia'' <small>(Adams.) Upson & S.Andrews</small>
:iv. Section ''Pterostoechas'' <small>Ging.</small> (16 species)
:*''[[Lavandula multifida]]'' <small>L.</small> — Morocco, southern Portugal, Spain, northern Algeria, [[Tunisia]], [[Tripolitania]], [[Calabria]] and [[Sicily]], with isolated [[Nile|Nile valley]] populations.
:*''[[Lavandula canariensis]]'' <small>[[Philip Miller|Mill.]]</small> — the [[Canary Islands]].
:: subsp. ''palmensis'' – [[La Palma]].
:: subsp. ''hierrensis'' – [[El Hierro]].
:: subsp. ''canariensis'' – [[Tenerife]].
:: subsp. ''canariae'' – [[Gran Canaria]].
:: subsp. ''fuerteventurae'' – [[Fuerteventura]].
:: subsp. ''gomerensis'' – [[La Gomera]].
:: subsp. ''lancerottensis'' – [[Lanzarote]].
:*''Lavandula minutolii'' <small>Bolle</small> — Canary Islands.
:: subsp. ''minutolii''
:: subsp. ''tenuipinna''
:*''Lavandula bramwellii'' <small>Upson & S.Andrews</small> — Gran Canaria.
:*''[[Lavandula pinnata]]'' <small>L.</small> — Canarias and Madeira.
:*''[[Lavandula buchii]]'' <small>Webb & Berthel.</small> — Tenerife.
:*''[[Lavandula rotundifolia]]'' <small>Benth.</small> — Cape Verde.
:*''[[Lavandula maroccana]]''<small>Murb.</small> — [[Atlas Mountains]], Morocco.
:*''Lavandula tenuisecta'' <small>Coss. ex Ball</small> — Atlas Mtns., Morocco.
:*''Lavandula rejdalii'' <small>Upson & Jury</small> — Morocco.
:*''Lavandula mairei'' <small>Humbert</small> — Morocco.
:*''Lavandula coronopifolia'' <small>Poir.</small> — Cape Verde, Northern Africa, NE [[West Africa|Western Africa]], [[Arabian Peninsula|Arabia]] to East [[Iran]].
:*''Lavandula saharica'' <small>Upson & Jury</small> — southern Algeria and nearby regions.
:*''Lavandula antineae'' <small>Maire</small> — central [[Sahara]].
:: subsp. ''antinae''
:: subsp. ''marrana''
:: subsp. ''tibestica''
:*''[[Lavandula pubescens]]'' <small>Decne.</small> — [[Egypt]], [[Eritrea]], [[Sinai Peninsula|Sinai]], [[Israel]], [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]], [[Jordan]], western [[Saudi Arabia]] to [[Yemen]].
:*''Lavandula citriodora'' <small>A.G. Mill.</small> – SW Arabian peninsula.
:
:<u>Hybrids:</u>
:*''Lavandula × christiana'' <small>Gattef. & Maire</small> (L. pinnata × L. canariensis)

:v. Section ''Subnudae''<small> Chaytor</small> (10 species)
:*''Lavandula subnuda'' <small>Benth.</small> — mountains of [[Oman]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]].
:*''Lavandula macra'' <small>Baker</small> – southern Arabian peninsula and [[Somaliland]].
:*''Lavandula dhofarensis'' <small>A.G. Mill.</small> – from [[Dhofar Governorate|Dhofar, Oman]].
:: subsp. ''dhofarensis''
:: subsp. ''ayunensis''
:*''Lavandula samhanensis'' <small>Upson & S.Andrews</small> – Dhofar, Oman.
:*''Lavandula setifera'' <small>T. Anderson </small>– coastal Yemen and Somaliland.
:*''Lavandula qishnensis'' <small>Upson & S.Andrews</small> – southern Yemen.
:*''[[Lavandula nimmoi]]'' <small>[[George Bentham|Benth.]]</small> – [[Socotra]].
:*''Lavandula galgalloensis'' <small>A.G. Mill.</small> – Somaliland.
:*''Lavandula aristibracteata'' <small>A.G. Mill.</small> – Somaliland.
:*''Lavandula somaliensis'' <small>Chaytor</small> – Somaliland.
:vi. Section ''Chaetostachys'' <small>Benth.</small> (2 species)
:*''Lavandula bipinnata'' <small>(Roth) Kuntze</small> — [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan peninsula]] and north-central [[North India|India]].
:*''Lavandula gibsonii'' <small>J. Graham</small> – [[Western Ghats]], [[South India]].
:vii. Section ''Hasikenses'' <small>Upson & S.Andrews</small> (2 species)
:*''Lavandula hasikensis'' <small>A.G. Mill.</small> – Oman.
:*''Lavandula sublepidota'' <small>Rech. f.</small> – [[Far, Iran]].

III. Subgenus ''Sabaudia'' <small>(Buscal. & Muschl.) Upson & S.Andrews</small>
:viii. Section ''Sabaudia'' <small>(Buscal. & Muschl.) Upson & S.Andrews</small> (2 species)
:*''Lavandula atriplicifolia'' <small>Benth.</small> – western Arabian peninsula, Egypt.
:*''Lavandula erythraeae'' <small>(Chiov.) Cufod.</small> – Eritrea.
|}

==Etymology==
The English word lavender came into use in the [[13th century]], and is generally thought to derive from [[Old French]] {{Lang|fro|lavandre}},<ref>{{cite dictionary |title=lavender |dictionary=An etymological dictionary of modern English |page=703 |url=https://archive.org/details/etymologicaldict00weekuoft/page/414/ |last1=Weekley |first1=Ernest |date=1921 |location=London |publisher=John Murray }}</ref> ultimately from [[Latin]] {{Lang|la|lavare}} from {{Lang|la|lavo}} (to wash),<ref name="LD">{{cite dictionary |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0059%3Aentry%3Dlavo |title= lavo |last1= Lewis |first1= Charlton T. |last2= Short |first2= Charles |dictionary= A Latin Dictionary |edition= |publisher= Perseus Digital Library |date = 1879 }}</ref> referring to the use of blue [[infusion]]s of the plants for bathing.<ref name="Lis" />{{rp|35}} The botanic name ''Lavandula'' as used by [[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]] is considered to be derived from this and other European vernacular names for the plants.<ref>{{Cite web |title=lavender {{!}} Etymology of lavender by etymonline |url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/lavender |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.etymonline.com |language=en}}</ref>

The names widely used for some of the species, "English lavender", "French lavender" and "Spanish lavender" are all imprecisely applied. "English lavender" is commonly used for ''[[Lavandula angustifolia|L.&nbsp;angustifolia]]'', though some references say the proper term is "Old English lavender".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Life |first=Country |date=2014-03-10 |title=Plant of the week: Old English Lavender |url=https://www.countrylife.co.uk/country-life/plant-of-the-week-old-english-lavender-2705 |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Country Life |language=en}}</ref> The name "French lavender" may refer to either ''[[Lavandula stoechas|L.&nbsp;stoechas]]'' or to ''[[Lavandula dentata|L.&nbsp;dentata]]''. "Spanish lavender" may refer to ''[[Lavandula pedunculata|L.&nbsp;pedunculata]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Graham Rice |date=2023-07-04 |title=Best lavender varieties – 14 perfumed beauties for flowers and foliage |url=https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/best-lavender-varieties |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=homesandgardens.com |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Lavandula stoechas|L.&nbsp;stoechas]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=23 Lavender Varieties for a Fragrant Garden Wherever You Live |url=https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/gardeners-guide-to-lavender/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Better Homes & Gardens |language=en}}</ref> or ''[[Lavandula lanata|L.&nbsp;lanata]].''

==Cultivation==
[[File:Bee pollen lavender.JPG|thumb|right|[[Honey bee]] on flower]]
The most common form in cultivation is the common or English lavender ''[[Lavandula angustifolia]]'' (formerly named ''L.&nbsp;officinalis''). A wide range of [[cultivar]]s can be found. Other commonly grown ornamental species are [[Lavandula stoechas|''L.&nbsp;stoechas'']], ''[[Lavandula dentata|L.&nbsp;dentata]]'', and ''[[Lavandula multifida|L.&nbsp;multifida]]'' (Egyptian lavender).

Because the cultivated forms are planted in gardens worldwide, they are occasionally found growing wild as garden escapes, well beyond their natural range. Such spontaneous growth is usually harmless, but in some cases, ''Lavandula'' species have become [[Invasive species|invasive]]. For example, in Australia, ''[[Lavandula stoechas|L.&nbsp;stoechas]]'' has become a cause for concern; it occurs widely throughout the continent and has been declared a noxious weed in Victoria since 1920.<ref>
{{cite book |last1= Carr|first1= G.W |last2= Yugovic |first2=  J.V |last3= Robinson |first3= K.E. |date= 1992 |title= Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria – conservation and management implications |location= Victoria, Australia |publisher= Department of Conservation and Environment and Ecological Horticulture}}</ref> It is regarded as a weed in parts of Spain.<ref>{{cite book |last1= Csurches |first1= S.|last2= Edwards |first2=R. |date= January 1998 |title= National Weeds Program, Potential Environmental Weeds in Australia, Candidate Species for Preventative Control |url= http://www.weeds.gov.au/publications/books/pubs/potential.pdf |location= |publisher= Queensland Department of Natural Resources |isbn=0-642-21409-3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010044320/http://www.weeds.gov.au/publications/books/pubs/potential.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2007}}</ref>

Lavenders flourish best in dry, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun.<ref name="Grieve">{{cite book |last1= Grieve |first1= M. |date=1971 |title= A Modern Herbal |volume=II |location= New York |publisher= Dover Publications, Inc.|page= |isbn=0-486-22799-5}}</ref> English lavender has a long germination process (14–28 days) and matures within 100–110 days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=How to grow lavender in your garden this summer |url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/gardening-advice/a35677777/how-to-grow-lavender/ |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=Good Housekeeping |language=en-GB}}</ref> All types need little or no fertilizer and good air circulation. In areas of high humidity, root rot due to fungus infection can be a problem. Organic mulches can trap moisture around the plants' bases, encouraging root rot. Gravelly materials such as crushed rocks give better results.<ref>{{cite book |last1= Brenzel |first1=  Kathleen Norris |edition=7th |title= The Sunset Western Garden Book}}</ref> It grows best in soils with a pH between 6 and 8.<ref name="UKY">{{Cite web|url=http://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/lavender.pdf|title=Lavender|last=Ernst|first=Matt|year=2017|website=University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification}}</ref> Most lavender is hand-harvested, and harvest times vary depending on intended use.<ref name="UKY" />

== Health risks ==
The U.S. [[National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health]] (NCCIH) states that lavender is considered likely safe in food amounts, and that [[topical medication|topical uses]] may cause [[allergic reaction]]s.<ref name="nih">{{cite web |date=1 August 2020 |title=Lavender |url=http://nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm |access-date=4 July 2022 |publisher=National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health}}</ref> The NCCIH does not recommend the use of lavender while pregnant or breastfeeding because of lack of knowledge of its effects.<ref name="nih" /> It recommends caution if young boys use lavender oil because of possible hormonal effects leading to [[gynecomastia]].<ref name="nih" /><ref name="Oils 'make male breasts develop'">{{cite web |date=February 2007 |title=Oils 'make male breasts develop' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6318043.stm |access-date=2018-03-17 |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref><ref name="More evidence essential oils 'make male breasts develop'">{{cite web |date=March 2018 |title=More evidence essential oils 'make male breasts develop' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/health-43429933 |access-date=2018-03-17 |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

A 2007 study examined the relationship between various fragrances and [[photosensitivity]], stating that lavender is known "to elicit cutaneous photo-toxic reactions", but does not induce [[hemolysis|photohaemolysis]].<ref name="Placzek-2007">{{cite journal |last1=Placzek |first1=M |last2=Frömel |first2=W |last3=Eberlein |first3=B |last4=Gilbertz |first4=KP |last5=Przybilla |first5=B |date=2007 |title=Evaluation of phototoxic properties of fragrances. |journal=Acta Dermato-Venereologica |volume=87 |issue=4 |pages=312–6 |doi=10.2340/00015555-0251 |pmid=17598033 |quote=Also, oils of lemon, lavender, lime, sandalwood, and cedar are known to elicit cutaneous phototoxic reactions, but lavender, sandalwood, and cedar oil did not induce photohaemolysis in our assay...Lavender oil and sandalwood oil did not induce photohaemolysis in our test system. However, a few reports on photosensitivity reactions due to these substances have been published, e.g. one patient with persistent light reaction and a positive photo-patch test to sandalwood oil |doi-access=free}}</ref>

Some people experience [[contact dermatitis]], allergic [[eczema]], or facial [[dermatitis]] from the use of lavender oil on skin.<ref name="drugs" /><ref name="nih" />

==Uses==
[[File:Kula Lavender Farm.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Lavender growing at a farm in [[Maui]], Hawaii]]

=== Lavender oil ===
{{Redirect|Lavandin|the racehorse|Lavandin (horse)}}
{{Main|Lavender oil}}

Commercially, the plant is grown mainly for the production of lavender essential oil. English lavender (''[[Lavandula angustifolia]]'') yields an oil with sweet overtones and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications.<ref name="drugs" /> 

''Lavandula ''×'' intermedia'', also known as ''lavandin'' or ''Dutch lavender'', hybrids of ''[[Lavandula angustifolia|L.&nbsp;angustifolia]]'' and ''[[Lavandula latifolia|L.&nbsp;latifolia]]''.<ref>Mark Griffiths, ''Index of Garden Plants'' (Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 1994. {{ISBN|0-333-59149-6}}),</ref> are widely cultivated for commercial use since their flowers tend to be bigger than those of English lavender and the plants tend to be easier to harvest.<ref>[[National Non-Food Crops Centre]]. [http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/metadot/index.pl?id=2409;isa=DBRow;op=show;dbview_id=2329 "Lavender"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116052642/http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/metadot/index.pl?id=2409;isa=DBRow;op=show;dbview_id=2329|date=16 November 2009}}. Retrieved on 23 April 2009.</ref> They yield a similar essential oil, but with higher levels of [[terpene]]s, including [[camphor]], which add a sharper overtone to the fragrance, regarded by some as of lower quality than that of English lavender.

The US [[Food and Drug Administration]] considers lavender as [[generally recognized as safe]] for human consumption.<ref name="lactmed" /> The essential oil was used in hospitals during [[World War I]].<ref name="Grieve" />

=== Culinary ===
[[File:Lavender cupcakes.jpg|thumb|right|Lavender-flavored [[Cupcake|cupcakes]]]]
[[File:Lavender meringue (5895316063).jpg|thumb|right|Lavender [[meringue]]]]
Culinary lavender is usually [[Lavandula angustifolia|English lavender]], the most commonly used species in cooking (''L.&nbsp;angustifolia'' 'Munstead'). As an aromatic, it has a sweet fragrance with [[lemon]] or [[citrus]] notes.<ref name="Lavender">[https://whatscookingamerica.net/Lavender.htm Lavender] WhatsCookingAmerica.net</ref> It is used as a spice or condiment in [[Pasta|pastas]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Havocinthekitchen |first=Ben {{!}} |date=2022-07-14 |title=Pasta Salad with Creamy Lavender Sauce (Unusual but Tasty Pairing) |url=https://www.havocinthekitchen.com/pasta-salad-with-creamy-lavender-sauce/ |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=www.havocinthekitchen.com |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Salad|salads]]<ref name=":0" /> and [[Dressing of Salad|dressings]], and [[Dessert|desserts]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/dining/271mrex.html Pasta With Shredded Vegetables and Lavender] Recipe, New York Times, 27 August 2008</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Culinary Herbs: Their Cultivation Harvesting Curing and Uses|year=1912|publisher=Orange Judd Company|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21414/21414-h/21414-h.htm#Page_97|author=M. G. Kains|editor=American Agriculturist|format=English}}</ref> Their buds and greens are used in teas, and their buds, processed by bees, are the essential ingredient of a [[monofloral honey]].<ref name="haze">{{cite web|url=http://www.purplehazelavender.com/cooking.html|title=Cooking with Lavender – Purple Haze Lavender (Sequim, WA)|work=Purple Haze Lavender|access-date=25 August 2008|archive-date=17 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417125855/http://www.purplehazelavender.com/cooking.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>  

==== Culinary history ====
Spanish nard ({{langx|fro|"spykenard de spayn le pays"}}), referring to [[Lavandula stoechas|''L.&nbsp;stoechas'']], is listed as an ingredient in making a spiced wine, namely [[hippocras]], in ''[[The Forme of Cury]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Forme of Cury |url=http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8102/pg8102-images.html |access-date=29 October 2020 |publisher=Project Gutenberg |quote=PUR FAIT YPOCRAS. XX.IX. XI. Treys Unces de canett. & iii unces de gyngeuer, spykenard de Spayn le pays dun denerer, garyngale, clowes, gylofre, poeurer long, noiez mugadez, maziozame cardemonij de chescun i quart' douce grayne & de paradys stour de queynel de chescun dim unce de toutes, soit fait powdour &c.}}</ref>

Lavender was introduced into England in the 1600s. It is said that Queen [[Elizabeth I of England]] prized a lavender conserve (jam) at her table, so lavender was produced as a jam at that time, as well as used in teas both medicinally and for its taste.<ref name="Lavender" />

Lavender was not used in traditional southern French cooking at the turn of the 20th century. It does not appear at all in the best-known compendium of Provençal cooking, J.-B. Reboul's ''Cuisinière Provençale''.<ref>J.-B. Reboul; ''Cuisinière Provençale'' (1910)</ref> French lambs have been allowed to graze on lavender as it is alleged to make their meat more tender and fragrant.<ref name="Lavender" /> In the 1970s, a blend of herbs called ''[[herbes de Provence]]'' was invented by spice wholesalers. Culinary lavender is added to the mixture in the North American version.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Laget |first1=F. |year=2005 |title=From its Birthplace in Egypt to Marseilles, an Ancient Trade: Drugs and Spices |journal=Diogenes |volume=52 |issue=3 |pages=131–139 |doi=10.1177/0392192105055941 |s2cid=144212782}}</ref>

In the 21st century, lavender is used in many world regions to flavor tea, vinegar, [[Fruit preserves#Jelly|jellies]], baked goods, and beverages.<ref>{{Citation |last=Charles |first=Denys J. |title=Lavender |date=2012 |work=Antioxidant Properties of Spices, Herbs and Other Sources |page=365 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tz4Fa7r9wgIC&pg=PA365 |access-date=2021-09-05 |place=New York, NY |publisher=Springer New York |isbn=9781461443100}}</ref>

==== Buds ====
For most cooking applications, the dried buds (also called flowers) are used.

The potency of the lavender buds increases with drying which necessitates more sparing use to avoid a heavy, soapy aftertaste. Chefs note to reduce by two-thirds the dry amount in recipes that call for fresh lavender buds.<ref name="Lavender"/><ref>"[http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/cooking-with-lavender Cooking With Lavender]", ''Bon Appetit'', 27 March 2015</ref>{{Better source needed|date=May 2021}}

Lavender buds can amplify both sweet and savory flavors in dishes and are sometimes paired with sheep's milk and goat's milk cheeses. Lavender flowers are occasionally blended with [[black tea|black]], [[green tea|green]], or [[herbal tea]]s. Lavender flavors baked goods and desserts, pairing especially well with chocolate. In the United States, both lavender syrup and dried lavender buds are used to make lavender [[scone]]s and [[marshmallow]]s.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stradley|first1=Linda|title=Lavender Scones, Whats Cooking America|url=https://whatscookingamerica.net/EllenEaston/LavenderScones.htm|website=What's Cooking America|access-date=16 February 2017|date=22 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Maclain|first1=Ben|title=Lavender Marshmallows – Havoc In The Kitchen|url=http://www.havocinthekitchen.com/lavender-marshmallows/|website=Havoc in the Kitchen|access-date=16 February 2017|date=2 May 2015|archive-date=30 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030114207/http://www.havocinthekitchen.com/lavender-marshmallows/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Lavender buds are put into sugar for two weeks to allow the essential oils and fragrance to transfer; then the sugar itself is used in baking. Lavender can be used in breads where recipes call for [[rosemary]].{{cn|date=January 2025}} Lavender can be used decoratively in dishes or spirits, or as a decorative and aromatic in a glass of champagne. Lavender is used in savory dishes, giving stews and reduced sauces aromatic flair. It is also used to scent flans, custards, and sorbets.<ref name="Lavender"/>

==== In honey ====
[[File:Bagt figen med lavendelhonning (4983868866).jpg|thumb|Baked figs with lavender honey]]
The flowers yield abundant [[nectar]], from which bees make a high-quality [[honey]]. [[Monofloral honey]] is produced primarily around the [[Mediterranean Sea]], and is marketed worldwide as a premium product. Flowers can be candied and are sometimes used as [[cake decoration]]s. It is also used to make "lavender sugar".<ref name="haze"/>

=== Herbalism ===
The German scientific committee on [[traditional medicine]], [[Commission&nbsp;E]], reported uses of lavender flower in practices of [[herbalism]], including its use for restlessness or [[insomnia]], [[Roemheld syndrome]], intestinal discomfort, and [[cardiovascular disease]]s, among others.<ref>{{cite web |date=2000 |title=Expanded Commission E monograph: Lavender flower |url=http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Lavenderflower.html?ts=1539836158&signature=f90e4436e6bfbbb3b9ce156ec06b2839#Uses |access-date=18 October 2018 |website=cms.herbalgram.org |publisher=Integrative Medicine Communications, Germany; from the American Botanical Council}}</ref>

[[File:Savons à la lavande au marché d'Apt.jpg|thumb|[[Soap]]s scented with lavender]]
=== Other uses ===

Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in [[potpourri]]s. Lavender is also used as herbal filler inside sachets used to freshen linens. Dried and sealed in pouches, lavender flowers are placed among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance and to deter [[moth]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCray|first=Carole|title=Lavender – the loveliest of herbs|url=https://www.registerguard.com/story/lifestyle/home-garden/2020/07/10/lavender-loveliest-of-herbs/43080107/|access-date=2020-11-17|website=The Register-Guard|language=en-US}}</ref> Dried lavender flowers may be used for wedding [[confetti]]. Lavender is also used in [[scented water]]s, [[soap]]s, and [[sachet]]s.

==== Psychological effects ====
[[File:Bath & Body Works Lavender Mimosa Aromatherapy Lotion (7009199299).jpg|thumb|[[Bath & Body Works]] Lavender [[Mimosa]] Aromatherapy Lotion]]
Lavender is considered a [[Medicinal plants|medicinal plant]] to manage stress.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ghavami |first=Tina |last2=Kazeminia |first2=Mohsen |last3=Rajati |first3=Fatemeh |date=2022-09-01 |title=The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229922000346 |journal=Complementary Therapies in Medicine |volume=68 |pages=102832 |doi=10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102832 |issn=0965-2299|doi-access=free }}</ref> The scent of the plant is commonly used in [[aromatherapy]]. A study done in 2005 on 200 people awaiting dental treatment showed that inhaling lavender reduced anxiety.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lillehei |first=Angela Smith |last2=Halcón |first2=Linda L. |last3=Savik |first3=Kay |last4=Reis |first4=Reilly |date=July 2015 |title=Effect of Inhaled Lavender and Sleep Hygiene on Self-Reported Sleep Issues: A Randomized Controlled Trial |url=https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2014.0327 |journal=The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine |volume=21 |issue=7 |pages=430–438 |doi=10.1089/acm.2014.0327 |issn=1075-5535 |pmc=4505755 |pmid=26133206}}</ref> The plant is also known to help with [[insomnia]], pain and inflammation, [[anxiety]], and [[Depression (mood)|depression]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=6 Lavender Benefits and How To Use It |url=https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-benefits-of-lavender |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=Cleveland Clinic |language=en}}</ref> 

==In culture==
{{see also|Spikenard}}
<!--This section, like the article, deals with the lavender PLANT and not other uses of the word.-->

The [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] called the lavender herb νάρδος: nárdos, Latinized as ''nardus'', after the Syrian city of Naarda (possibly the modern town of [[Duhok]], Iraq). It was also commonly called ''nard''.<ref>The origin of most of these quotes comes from Dr. William Thomas Fernie, in his book "Herbal Simples" (Bristol Pub., second edition, 1897), [https://archive.org/details/b20405297/page/298/mode/2up?q=nardus page 298]:
<blockquote>'By the Greeks the name Nardus is given to Lavender, from Naarda, a city of Syria near the Euphrates, and many persons call the plant "Nard." St. Mark mentions this as Spikenard, a thing of great value. In Pliny's time, blossoms of the Nardus sold for a hundred Roman denarii (or L.3 2s. 6d.) the pound. This Lavender or Nardus was called Asarum by the Romans, because it was not used in garlands or chaplets. It was formerly believed that the asp, a dangerous kind of viper, made Lavender its habitual place of abode, so that the plant had to be approached with great caution.'</blockquote></ref> The species originally grown was [[Lavandula stoechas|''L.&nbsp;stoechas'']].<ref name=upsonandrews/>

During [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] times, flowers were sold for 100 ''[[denarii]]'' per [[Libra (weight)|pound]], which was about the same as a month's wages for a farm laborer, or fifty haircuts from the local barber. <!--Lavender was commonly used in [[Roman bath]]s to scent the water, and it was thought to restore the skin.<ref>This is contradicted in Upson and Andrews, quoting (p. 78) Fagan 1999 a standard work on bathing in Roman Europe</ref> --> Its [[late Latin]] name was ''lavandārius'', from ''lavanda'' (things to be washed), from ''lavāre'' from the verb ''lavo'' (to wash).<ref name="LD"/><ref>{{Cite book |title=Oxford English Dictionary |edition=second |year=1989 |quote=Note however that Upson and Andrews refer to research on bathing in the Roman Empire, and state that there is no mention of the use of lavender in works on this subject.| title-link=Oxford English Dictionary
}}</ref>

The plant and its [[Lavender (color)|color]] are used to represent the [[LGBTQ community]] in such events as the [[Lavender Scare]] and [[lavender marriage]], among other community symbols since the [[19th century]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Willingham |first=AJ|date=2023-06-25 |title=The secret queer history of flowers |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/25/us/flowers-lgbtq-lavender-meaning-cec/index.html |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>   

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="180" heights="120">
File:Lavender02.jpg|Lavender flower
File:LavendarFlower.jpg|Flower of cultivated lavender; ''Lavandula stoechas''
File:Lavender fields in India.jpg|Lavender garden, India
File:Lavandula fields.jpg|Lavandula fields near [[Drama, Greece]]
File:Lavender Flower Closeup 2.jpg|''Lavandula angustifolia'' flower
File:Mostar Lavender bush.jpg|Lavender plant by a mosque in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
File:Navettes de lanvande.JPG|Bunches of lavender for sale, intended to repel insects
File:LavenderInMarket.jpg|Lavender products for sale at a San Francisco [[farmers market]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=xvgq-6VAX8kC Upson T, Andrews S. ''The Genus Lavandula''. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 2004]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130512062751/http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?6567 United States Department of Agriculture GRIN: Lavandula] (archived 12 May 2013)

==External links==
{{Commons category}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q171892}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Lavandula| ]]
[[Category:Lamiaceae genera]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]
[[Category:Melliferous flowers]]
[[Category:Subshrubs]]