Definition

Noun: 1. A shrubby lavender plant: A specific type of lavender (Lavandula stoechas) native to the Mediterranean region, characterized by its greyish-green, shrubby appearance and distinctive flower heads topped with showy, petal-like bracts. 2. A source of essential oil: This plant is cultivated for the production of spike lavender oil, which differs in chemical composition from the more common Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) oil.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The garden's border was lined with fragrant French lavender.
  • The essential oil derived from French lavender is often used in aromatherapy.
  • Unlike English lavender, French lavender has unique, tufted petals at the top of its flower spike.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical classification: The term is used to precisely identify within the Lamiaceae (mint) family, distinguishing it from other lavender species.
• In horticulture: Refers to a popular ornamental plant chosen for its long blooming season and distinctive floral display, often used in drought-tolerant landscaping.

Variants and Related Words

• Lavandula stoechas (n): The formal botanical Latin name for French lavender.
• Spanish lavender (n): A common synonym for the same plant (), reflecting its prevalence in different Mediterranean regions.
• Topped lavender (n): Another name describing its characteristic flower head.
• Spike lavender (n): A name emphasizing its use for producing a specific type of lavender oil.

Synonyms

• Spanish lavender
• Topped lavender
• Lavandula stoechas (scientific name)

Related Phrases

• Spike lavender oil: The essential oil steam-distilled from the flowering tops of French lavender.
  • The recipe calls for spike lavender oil, which comes from French lavender.

Noun

1. shrubby greyish lavender of southwestern Europe having usually reddish-purple flowers
2. Mediterranean plant with pale purple flowers that yields spike lavender oil