Lavender

Lavender is a bush of the Lamiaceae (or mint) family. This botanical family is known for its ability to produce essential oils. This perennial plant grows wild in sunny, mountainous areas. Originally from the Mediterranean basin, lavender can also be found in other countries with a similar climate: the United States, the Canary Islands, and even Australia. Lavender has grey-green leaves and flowers that grow in round clusters around the top of the stem and are blueish violet, or lavender, in colour. 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 imbibe (and therefore scent) bands of cotton used during the mummification process in ancient Egypt. Lavender is grown primarily for its essential oil. Lavender fields can be found across southern France, especially in Provence, with colour gradually turning toward violet beginning in June.