|
DESCRIPTION
LAVENDER / Lavandula
Family: Labiatae / Mint
Names: There are at least 28 species in this genus. One of the most common species grown is L. angustifolia, variously called L. officinalis, L. vera, L. delphinensis and L. spica. This species is often referred to as English lavender.
General: Lavender is one of
the more popular and well known herbs. Not only lovely
in the garden, it can be grown indoors on a sunny
windowsill.
Characteristics: Lavender
is considered to be a deciduous shrub rather than a
perennial. It is a bushy, branching plant. The mature
stems are often quite woody. Its leaves are opposite and
lanceolate (narrow and pointy), with smooth edges,
somewhat hairy and usually silvery gray. Leaves are up
to 2" (5 cm) long. Flowers are small, generally lavender-purple
although some cultivars have pinkish flowers. The
flowers each have a five-lobed corolla and a five-toothed calyx
as well as four stamens. Whorls of six to ten flowers
form terminal spikes on 6 to 8" (15 to 20 cm) long
stalks in
summer. Lavender generally grows to 3' (1 m) height.
History:
In the Middle Ages lavender was used in aphrodisiac love potions yet, paradoxically, it was also thought to keep the wearer chaste.
This herb's fragrance is it's foremost characteristic. Its scent has added to sachets, to protect linens from moths and to freshen sickrooms. It has also been used in aromatherapy to treat hysteria,
nervous palpitations, hoarseness, palsy, toothaches, sore joints, apoplexy and colic. Herbalists claims it is carminative, antispasmodic and a stimulant. It has been used as one ingredient in smelling salts. Lavender was used as a disinfectant up until World War II. In some parts of Europe lavender is used to quiet both coughs and upset digestive systems.
How to Dry: To dry lavender, harvest when blooms are at their peak. Air dry plants on screens or by hanging
harvested spikes upside down in a cool, well ventilated place. Lavender flowers and leaves also press well, however the some species
are more fleshy than others, and don't press as well. Lavender is most used for its fragrance, hence microwave drying should be avoided. The flower spikes of lavenders with purple or bluish coloured blooms, as opposed to those with pinkish blooms, retain their colour best after drying.
Uses:
Lavender is a crafter's delight.
The silvery grey colour of its
foliage and its beautiful
fragrance combine with a
sturdiness that makes it an excellent
herb to work with for
potpourris, sachets, and
wreaths. In the kitchen,
lavender is used in syrups,
marmalades and vinegars.
|
