Lavender

Lavender is a bush of the Lamiaceae (or mint) family, which is known for producing essential oils. This perennial plant grows wild in sunny, mountainous areas. Native to the Mediterranean Basin, lavender can also be found in countries with similar climates, including the United States, Canary Islands, and Australia. Lavender has grey-green leaves and bluish-violet or lavender flowers that grow in round clusters around the top of the stem. The word “lavender” comes from the Latin word ‘lavare’ (to wash) because the Romans used lavender to scent their baths. Lavender was also used to scent bands of cotton for the mummification process in ancient Egypt. Today, it is grown primarily for its essential oil, and fields of the plant can be found across southern France, especially in Provence, with the color gradually turning to violet beginning in June.