Lavender

Lavandula canariensis Mill.

lah-VAN-dyuo-lah  canary-EN-sis

Lamiaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name from Latin, lavo, I wash. Canariensis refers to growth in the Canary Islands.

Synonym: L. multifida L.

Natural range: Canary Islands

Recognition: Aromatic basally woody shrub with pinnatisect (fernlike) pubescent leaves. Flowers in spikes to 10” long; bracts blue toward the apex. Calyx with the upper lip notched and the lower lip 3-cleft. Corolla to 12 mm, externally pubescent

Lavendula dentata has tomentose stems and the leaves gray (vs. green) beneath. (HUX)

Landscape uses: Bedding plant in sunny places, or in containers. Not heavily used in S. Florida