How do I identify different lavender varieties (for beginners)?

For beginners, identifying different lavender varieties can seem a bit daunting at first, but by focusing on a few key features, you can quickly learn to distinguish the most common types. You don't need to be a botanist; just use your eyes, hands, and nose!

Here’s a simple guide for beginners to identify different lavender varieties:

The Big Three (and their Hybrid Cousin): Most of the lavender you'll encounter falls into three main species, plus one important hybrid group:

1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This is the classic, most commonly thought-of lavender.

2. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Very distinctive and easy to spot.

3. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): Also has unique leaf features.

4. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): A popular hybrid that looks similar to English but is typically much larger.

Let's break down how to identify each:

1. English Lavender (The Sweet Smeller): This is your go-to for most culinary uses and that quintessential relaxing lavender scent.

• How to Spot It:

  • Scent (Most Important!): Gently rub a flower or leaf. It should smell sweet, purely floral, and very clean, not strong or medicinal. Think of a pleasant perfume or a mild herbal tea. This is the least camphorous (least like Vicks VapoRub) of the lavenders.

  • Leaves: Look at the edges of the leaves. They are smooth (not toothed or jagged). The leaves are usually narrow and gray-green.

  • Flowers: The flower spikes are usually short and plump, like little thimbles or compact cones. They sit on relatively short stems, often just above the foliage. There are NO large "bunny ears" or flag-like petals on top of the flower head.

  • Plant Size: Typically forms a neat, compact, rounded bush, generally 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall and wide.

  • Common Use: Best for cooking, aromatherapy, and temperate gardens.

2. Spanish Lavender (The Bunny Ear One): This one is very easy to identify because of its unique flower shape.

• How to Spot It:

  • Flowers (The Dead Giveaway!): Look for compact, pinecone-shaped flowers that have prominent, colorful, petal-like "bunny ears" or "flags" sticking out from the top. These "ears" can be purple, pink, or white and are very distinctive.

  • Scent: The scent is usually stronger and more resinous, often described as eucalyptus-like or somewhat medicinal, due to higher camphor content. Not typically used for cooking.

  • Leaves: Shorter and broader than English lavender, often grayish-green, with very fine or subtle serrations (teeth) that might be hard to see.

  • Plant Size: Tends to be a bit looser and more upright than English lavender, usually 1 to 2.5 feet tall and wide.

  • Common Use: Ornamental, good in hot climates.

3. French Lavender (The Toothed Leaf One): This one is best identified by its unique foliage.

• How to Spot It:

  • Leaves (The Key!): Examine the edges of the leaves very closely. They are visibly toothed or serrated (like tiny saw teeth). The leaves are typically green to grayish-green and often longer than Spanish lavender leaves.

  • Scent: The plant (both foliage and flowers) has a strong, herbaceous scent, often described as slightly rosemary-like or with a noticeable camphor presence. Less sweet than English. Not typically used for cooking.

  • Flowers: The flower spikes are slender and are topped with small, wispy bracts (not prominent "bunny ears" like Spanish lavender).

  • Plant Size: Tends to be a larger, more sprawling, or shrubby plant, typically 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.

  • Common Use: Ornamental, good for long blooming seasons in warmer climates.

4. Lavandin (The Big One with Strong Scent): This is a hybrid often confused with English lavender, but it's much larger and has a different scent profile.

• How to Spot It:

  • Plant Size: This is a big clue! Lavandins are much larger and more robust than English lavenders, typically growing 2.5 to 4 feet tall and wide, forming substantial mounds.

  • Flower Stems: The flower spikes are on very long, sturdy stems that rise significantly high above the main foliage (taller than English lavender). The individual flowers on the spike can also appear a bit more spaced out. There are no "bunny ears."

  • Scent: The scent is strong, quite pungent, and noticeably camphoraceous or herbaceous. It's a mix of sweet and sharp, but definitely more intense than English lavender. Not ideal for cooking.

  • Leaves: Generally broader and grayer than English lavender, sometimes with very subtle serrations.

  • Common Use: Essential oil production (like 'Grosso'), large landscape plantings, dried bunches.

Simple Steps for Beginners:

1. Look for "Bunny Ears": If it has them, it's Spanish Lavender (easy!).

2. Check the Leaves: If the leaves have visible "teeth" or serrations, it's French Lavender.

3. Perform the Smell Test: If it's sweet, mild, and purely floral, it's likely English Lavender. If it's strong, pungent, and camphorous, it's likely a Lavandin.

4. Observe Size and Flower Stem Height: If it's a very large plant with tall, robust flower stems, it's a Lavandin. If it's smaller and compact with shorter flower stems, it's English Lavender.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to confidently identify the most popular lavender varieties in no time!