Lavender Monograph

Lavender 

Lavandula angustifolia

Quick Reference

Common names: lavender, English lavender, true lavender
Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia
Plant family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Parts used: flowers (primary), leaves (secondary)
Primary actions: nervine, carminative, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Best preparations: infused oil, essential oil (distilled), infusion (tea), tincture, sachets
Safety rating: very safe with proper use
Grown at Wild Clover Farm: yes — cultivated

Botanical Description and Identification

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most widely recognized and beloved medicinal and aromatic herbs. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is prized for its fragrant purple flowers, calming properties, and versatility in both herbal medicine and personal care.

Plant Characteristics

Flowers:
Lavender produces slender flower spikes composed of many small, tubular blossoms arranged in whorls along the stem. Flowers range from pale lavender to deep purple, depending on cultivar. Bloom time typically occurs in late spring through early summer, with a possible second flush in favorable conditions. Flowers are highly aromatic and rich in essential oils.

Leaves:
Leaves are narrow, linear, and gray-green, measuring 1 to 2 inches long. They are softly textured and covered in fine hairs, contributing to the plant’s silvery appearance.

Stems:
Flowering stems are upright, square, and woody at the base. Plants form compact, rounded mounds over time.

Growth habit:
Lavender is a perennial evergreen shrub in mild climates. Plants typically grow 12 to 30 inches tall and wide, depending on variety and growing conditions.

Identification Notes

True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is preferred for medicinal use due to its gentle, calming effects. Other lavender species, including Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin), are higher in camphor and more stimulating.

Always confirm species when growing or purchasing lavender for medicinal use.

Native Range and Habitat

Lavender is native to the rocky hillsides and coastal regions of southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. It thrives in dry, sunny environments with excellent drainage.

Through cultivation, lavender is now grown worldwide in temperate regions. It does not typically naturalize aggressively and prefers managed garden settings over wild habitats.

Growing Lavender

Climate and Growing Conditions

Lavender grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, with some varieties tolerating colder conditions when properly protected.

Sunlight:
Full sun is essential. Lavender requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil:
Well-drained soil is critical. Lavender prefers sandy or rocky soil with low fertility and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Heavy clay soil must be amended or avoided.

Water:
Low water needs once established. Overwatering is the most common cause of plant failure. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Temperature:
Lavender tolerates heat well but is sensitive to excess moisture and humidity, especially in winter.

Planting and Propagation

From seed:
Lavender may be grown from seed, though germination is slow and variable. Seeds benefit from cold stratification and may take 14 to 28 days to germinate. Seed-grown plants often require one to two years to reach full size.

From cuttings:
Propagation from cuttings is preferred for consistency. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or summer root readily under warm, humid conditions.

Transplants:
Young plants should be spaced 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on variety, to allow adequate air circulation.

Care and Maintenance

• Avoid fertilization beyond light compost at planting
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
• Avoid cutting into woody growth
• Mulch lightly with gravel rather than organic mulch
• Protect plants from winter moisture rather than cold

Lavender has few pest issues and is generally deer resistant.

Harvesting Lavender

What to Harvest and When

Harvest lavender flowers when buds are fully formed and just beginning to open. This stage provides the highest essential oil content and best fragrance.

The ideal harvest time is midmorning, after dew has dried and before strong midday heat.

Cut flower stems several inches below the blooms, leaving enough green growth for plant recovery.

Drying and Storage

Lavender dries easily and retains fragrance well when handled properly.

Air-drying:
Bundle small groups of stems and hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space for one to two weeks.

Dehydrator:
Dry at low temperature, approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit, until flowers are crisp.

Once dry, remove flowers from stems and store in airtight containers away from light and heat. Properly dried lavender maintains quality for one to two years.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Lavender is best known as a calming and relaxing herb for the nervous system.

Primary Uses

• Supports relaxation and stress reduction
• Promotes restful sleep
• Eases nervous tension and anxiety
• Relieves muscle tension and spasms
• Supports digestive comfort
• Provides gentle antimicrobial action

Lavender has been used traditionally in teas, oils, baths, and sachets to calm the mind and body.

Energetics and Traditional Classification

• Temperature: cool to neutral
• Moisture: dry
• Taste: aromatic, slightly bitter
• Tissue affinities: nervous system, skin, digestive tract
• Energetic indications: tension, anxiety, heat, inflammation

Lavender is traditionally classified as a nervine relaxant and aromatic carminative, balancing the nervous system while gently dispersing heat and tension. It is indicated for stress-related conditions affecting both mind and body.

Primary Herbal Actions

• Nervine: calms and balances the nervous system
• Antispasmodic: relieves muscle tension and cramping
• Anti-inflammatory: soothes inflamed tissue
• Antimicrobial: supports resistance to infection
• Carminative: eases digestive discomfort
• Sedative (mild): supports sleep and relaxation

Preparation Methods

Lavender Tea

Lavender tea is prepared by steeping dried flowers in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. It is commonly used for mild anxiety, nervous tension, headaches, and digestive discomfort. Use sparingly due to strong flavor.

Lavender Infused Oil

Dried flowers are infused in a carrier oil such as olive or sweet almond oil. Infused oil is used for massage, skin care, and topical relaxation blends.

Lavender Tincture

Lavender tincture is used in small doses for nervous tension and digestive upset. It may be used alone or combined with other calming herbs.

Lavender Sachets and Baths

Dried lavender flowers are commonly used in sachets for closets and pillows or added to bath preparations for relaxation and skin support.

Safety and Contraindications

Lavender is generally very safe when used appropriately.

• Safe for adults and children
• Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding in culinary and topical amounts
• Essential oil should be diluted before topical use
• Internal use of essential oil is not recommended

Rare allergic reactions may occur. Discontinue use if irritation develops.

Wild Clover Farm Notes

At Wild Clover Farm, lavender is grown in well-drained garden beds with excellent sun exposure. Plants are harvested annually for drying, oil infusion, and aromatic use throughout the year.

Proper drainage and air circulation have proven essential for long-term plant health, particularly during wet winters.

Lavender remains one of the farm’s most valued herbs for both beauty and function.

Oklahoma/Zone 7 Growing Notes

• English lavender (L. angustifolia) most reliable for Oklahoma winters
• Excellent drainage critical; Oklahoma clay soil kills lavender; amend heavily with sand/gravel or use raised beds
• Heat-tolerant once established but doesn't love humidity
• Plant in fall (Sept-Oct) for best establishment before summer stress
• 'Phenomenal' and 'Grosso' cultivars handle our temperature extremes and humidity better than traditional English varieties - worth seeking out from local nurseries

Foraging:

• Cultivated plant; not wild-foraged
• Harvest flower spikes just as buds begin to open
• Choose known medicinal varieties (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Avoid ornamental or sprayed landscape plants
• Harvest in dry weather for best aroma

Common Questions

Is lavender safe for children?
Yes, when used appropriately and diluted.

Can lavender be used daily?
Yes. Lavender is gentle and suitable for regular use.

References and Further Reading

• Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism
• Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
• Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult a qualified health care provider before using herbal products, especially when pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.