lavender, (genus Lavandula), genus of about 30 species of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to countries bordering the Mediterranean. Lavender species are common in herb gardens for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers.
What is lavender classified?
Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae.
Is lavender a herb or a flower?
The most accurate description of lavender is that it is a flowering shrub, but because it is also used for culinary and medicinal purposes some people consider lavender an herb.
Is lavender a spring or summer flower?
While Lavender is usually regarded as a summer-blooming flower, some Lavender plants are early bloomers with their magnificent blooms appearing early in spring. Others are late bloomers with blooms opening up in midsummer and lasting until late summer. Some bloom almost continuously from spring to summer’s end.
What are the two types of lavender?
Lavender belongs to the genus Lavandula. In Northern latitudes the two most common species are angustifolia and x intermedia (also called lavandin).
What does lavender flower symbolize?
Lavender flowers represent purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. Purple is the color of royalty and speaks of elegance, refinement, and luxury, too. The color is also associated with the crown chakra, which is the energy center associated with higher purpose and spiritual connectivity.
Can u eat lavender flowers?
Lavender basics
Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten and have a pleasant yet slightly bitter flavor.
Is lavender toxic to humans?
Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts. It may cause a reaction in children who swallow small amounts. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin.
Why is lavender so special?
It is anti-inflammatory, and has some pain relieving properties, mostly due to a component of the oil called linalool. If you apply it immediately after a burn or a bite, you should experience significantly less pain and swelling, as it has an anti-histamine effect.
Is eating lavender good for you?
Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling. In addition to helping with digestive problems, lavender is used to help relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores.
Does lavender only bloom once?
English lavender blooms in late spring to early summer. If it’s pruned lightly just after its first flowering, it will likely flower again in late summer. After this second flowering, a full pruning—typically in late August—will prepare it for winter and encourage more blooms in spring.
Is lavender bad for dogs?
Can dogs eat lavender? No, never feed your dog lavender buds or essential oil. They both contain linalool, a compound that is toxic to dogs in large amounts.
Does lavender need a lot of water?
Lavender is drought-tolerant, which means mature plants don’t need to be watered all the time like your other garden plants. Too much water can leave them susceptible to root rot and fungal disease. Young, newly planted lavender does need regular watering until established (either by irrigation or adequate rainfall).
What does lavender smell like?
Lavender has a very distinct smell. Once you’ve smelled lavender, you will recognize it instantly. Overall, it has a floral scent, but one that is light and fresh, without being too pungent or overwhelming. It can also have a sweetness to it with herbal, balsamic undertones and notes.
How long do lavender flowers last?
The plants generally flower for three to four weeks. If you harvest the flower spikes quickly, most varieties, including ‘Royal Purple’ and ‘Nana Alba,’ will bloom a second time.
Do lavender plants smell?
English lavenders reliably have a strong smell with Hidcote and Munstead in particular are valued for their smell and are grown commercially. The smell of lavender peaks in the growing season (during the spring and summer) and lavenders will smell strongest in the morning.
Which flower means love?
red rose
There are many types of flowers that mean love, but the most iconic is the red rose. The red rose is known as the flower of love.
Does lavender help you sleep?
Lavender oil is a popular aromatherapy choice for sleep and relaxation. Several studies show using lavender oil for aromatherapy can improve sleep quality, including in people with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Aromatherapy using lavender oil may also increase time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep.
Why is lavender plant lucky?
I can locate many references to luck associated with planting lavender with roses. The earlier sources for lavender as it relates to attracting good luck, or possibly repelling misfortune, are linked to its association St. John Day where it was burned in bonfires when evil spirits were said to walk among men.
Can lavender make you sick?
Possible Side Effects
Lavender essential oil may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. If you experience nausea, vomiting, or a headache after using lavender, discontinue use immediately.
Can you smoke lavender?
It is possible to smoke lavender in a similar way to tobacco. People can grind dried lavender into small, smokable pieces and roll it into cigarettes, either on its own or blended with other plants. It is possible to add it to tobacco, cannabis, or other herbs.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.