Lavandula stoechas - Web page Navigation - French Lavender, Spanish Lavendar, Topped Lavendar Page

Lavandula stoechas, also known as Spanish lavender, topped lavender (in the U.S.), or French lavender (in the U.K.), is a beautiful flowering plant native to several Mediterranean countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. It is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 30-100 cm (12-39 in), but can occasionally reach up to 2 m (7 ft) in the subspecies luisieri. The leaves are greyish and tomentose, measuring 1-4 cm in length.

The inflorescence of Lavandula stoechas is crowned by a lump of purple and oblong-egg-shaped bracts that are about 5 cm long. The underneath flowers form a tight rectangular shape in cross-section. The flowers themselves are pink to purple and appear in late spring and early summer. They are produced on spikes that are 2 cm long at the top of slender, leafless stems 10-30 cm (4-12 in) long. Each flower is subtended by a bract 4-8 mm long. At the top of the spike, there are a number of much larger, sterile bracts that are 10-50 mm long and bright lavender purple (rarely white).

Lavandula stoechas is more fragile than common lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and is less winter hardy. However, it is harsher and more resinous in its oils. Like other lavenders, it thrives in hot, dry, sunny conditions and alkaline soils. It can tolerate a range of situations, though it may be short-lived. Some selected forms of Lavandula stoechas are grown as ornamental plants, with the cultivar 'Willow Vale' being awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Apart from its ornamental value, Lavandula stoechas also has other uses. It is commercially used in air fresheners and insecticides. The flower spikes have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including headaches, irritability, feverish colds, nausea, wound healing, and as an insect repellent. The lavender also produces essential oils, although they are not used economically. The infusion of its dry inflorescences is febrifuge and fights chest and bronchial affections. It is also used as an antiseptic, digestive, antispasmodic, healing, and antibacterial agent. The flowers are commonly used in aromatherapy, to prepare infusions and essential oils that contain ketones and alcohols.

It is worth noting that Lavandula stoechas has become an invasive species in certain areas since its introduction into Australia. It is widely distributed within the continent and has been declared a noxious weed in Victoria since 1920. In parts of Spain, it is also regarded as a weed.

Overall, Lavandula stoechas is a stunning flowering plant that adds beauty and fragrance to gardens and landscapes. Its unique characteristics and various uses make it a versatile choice for gardeners and herbal enthusiasts.