Lavender is an evergreen bush of thin leaves that grows to approximately 4 feet in height and is a bit over 3 feet in width. It is characterized by its pale purple flowers that bloom from the months of July – September. There are a few varieties of the shrub that can be found with pink and even white flowers.

Lavender is cultivated so that the oil, the leaves and the flowers can be used. Oil glands are embedded among the stems, flowers and leaves giving the entire plant a very pleasant fragrance.

The leaves are sometimes used as food and, in small amounts, give an aromatic flavor to salads. The dried flowers can be used to make tea or as potpourri. The oil is frequently used in fine perfumes and cosmetics.

Lavandin oil is obtained from a similar plant that is a hybrid of lavender and the lavender spike.