While all lavenders fall under the genus Lavandula, the main types grown for their distinct characteristics often go by several common names. These names can sometimes cause confusion, especially when you're exploring options at a lavender farm or trying to buy lavender online from a site like islandlavender.com. Knowing the most frequent aliases can help you confidently identify the plant you're looking for.
Here are the common names associated with each main lavender type:
1. Lavandula angustifolia This is often considered the "true" lavender due to its traditional use and classic calming scent. It boasts the most common names:
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English Lavender: This is perhaps the most widely recognized common name, despite the plant not being native to England (it's from the Mediterranean). It earned this name because it thrives in England's climate and was extensively cultivated there.
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True Lavender: Emphasizes its status as the original or most authentic lavender species, particularly for essential oil production.
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Common Lavender: Reflects its widespread cultivation and familiarity.
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Garden Lavender: Indicating its frequent use in home gardens.
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Narrow-Leaved Lavender: A direct translation of its Latin species name, angustifolia, referring to its slender foliage.
When you're Browse a Door County WI lavender farm, chances are a significant portion of their fields will be dedicated to varieties of English lavender, known for their versatility and enduring appeal.
2. Lavandula x intermedia This type is a hybrid, a cross between Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) and Lavandula latifolia (Spike Lavender). Its common names often reflect its hybrid nature or its historical cultivation in France:
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Lavandin: This is the most accurate and common name for this hybrid group. It directly indicates its origin as a cross.
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French Lavender: While Lavandula stoechas also goes by "French Lavender" (adding to the confusion!), Lavandula x intermedia varieties, particularly 'Provence' and 'Grosso', are extensively grown in the lavender fields of Provence, France, for essential oil production. So, "French Lavender" can refer to lavandin as well.
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Hybrid Lavender: A straightforward description of its genetic makeup.
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Dutch Lavender: Less common, but sometimes used.
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Bastard Lavender: An older, less flattering term referring to its hybrid origin, but rarely used today.
Lavandin is often sought after for its robust growth and higher essential oil yield, making it a popular choice for commercial production and for those who buy lavender online for crafting or larger aromatherapy uses.
3. Lavandula stoechas This distinct lavender species is known for its unique flower appearance, often resembling pinecones topped with "bunny ears" or flags. Its common names almost always highlight this visual characteristic or its geographic origin:
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Spanish Lavender: This is the most common and widely accepted name, as it's native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain.
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French Lavender: Similar to lavandin, this name can also apply to Lavandula stoechas due to its presence in certain regions of France. This is where the common name confusion often arises between Lavandula x intermedia and Lavandula stoechas.
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Butterfly Lavender: A very descriptive name, referring to the distinctive bracts at the top of the flower spike that resemble butterfly wings.
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Topped Lavender: Another descriptive name, highlighting the "topped" appearance of the flower spike.
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Bract Lavender: Refers to the prominent bracts (leaf-like structures) that form the "ears" or "flags" above the main flower head.
When you visit a lavender farm or search islandlavender.com, you'll find that these common names help categorize the diverse world of lavender, allowing you to select the perfect type for your garden or wellness needs.