Lavandula dentata

Lavandula dentata1

Lavandula dentata, commonly known as French lavender or fringed lavender, is a species of flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Canary Islands. This perennial shrub is well-regarded for its ornamental and aromatic qualities, making it a popular choice in gardens and landscapes around the world.

Description

Lavandula dentata is characterized by its grey-green, dentate (toothed) leaves, which give the plant its specific epithet 'dentata', meaning toothed in Latin. The leaves are highly aromatic when crushed. The plant typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 cm (12 to 39 inches) and spreads to a similar width. Its flowers are lavender to purple in color, produced on spikes at the top of slender, leafless stems, blooming from mid-summer to early autumn. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Cultivation

French lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens. Lavandula dentata can be propagated from seed, but more commonly from cuttings to ensure the preservation of its characteristics. Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages the growth of new flowers.

Uses

Beyond its ornamental use, Lavandula dentata has applications in aromatherapy and the production of essential oils, where it is valued for its calming and relaxing properties. The dried flowers and leaves are also used in potpourris and as a natural moth repellent.

In traditional medicine, it has been used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, though these uses are not supported by modern scientific evidence.

Varieties

Several cultivars of Lavandula dentata have been developed for garden use, offering variations in size, flower color, and foliage. Notable cultivars include:

• Lavandula dentata var. candicans - Noted for its larger size and silver-grey foliage.
• Lavandula dentata var. dentata - The typical form with green-grey foliage.

Conservation

While Lavandula dentata is not currently listed as endangered, its natural habitats are under threat from human activity, including urbanization and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts are important to preserve its wild populations and the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Gallery

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See Also

• Lavandula
• Lamiaceae
• Essential oil
• Aromatherapy