Lavender

Lavender, common name for any of a genus of fragrant herbs and shrubs (see Mint), native to Eurasia. Flowers are produced on terminal spikes and have four stamens, a solitary pistil, a five-toothed calyx (set of sepals), and a five-lobed tubular corolla (set of petals) forming two lips. Common lavender is a shrubby Mediterranean herb also cultivated in gardens. It has narrow leaves and small lilac-purple flowers containing oil of lavender, used in the manufacture of perfumes, toilet water, and aromatic vinegar. Dried flowers of lavender are used to make sachets for perfuming clothing and linen. French, or Spanish, lavender has flower spikes tipped with long, coloured, ear-like bracts.

Scientific classification: Lavenders make up the genus Lavandula of the family Labiatae. Common lavender is classified as Lavandula augustifolia and French, or Spanish, lavender as Lavandula stoechas.