French Lavender
Lavandula dentata, Lavender Family: ( Lavandula ), French Lavender. Also called: French Lavender; Rabbit Ears, Papillon, or Butterfly Lavender. Many other common names.
There are many subspecies of this plant. it is a very popular landscaping plant worldwide and it is considered an evergreen shrub.
The fragrance of this species is between a true lavender scent and a pungent rosemary fragrance. From this lavender plant is extracted the French Oil; which is used for air fresheners, deodorants, disinfectants, and insecticides.
Height: Evergreen bush slowly growing to about 28 inches tall and 28 inches wide. Most from the nursary are about 8 inches to 14 inches in height.
Flowers: The squarish flower spike is composed of closely set fertile bracts which house the corollas (actual flowers) and is topped by a tuft of large, showy, sterile bracts which are the more conspicuous part of the inflorescence.
Stalk: The flower stalk (peduncle) is usually shorter than the flower spike.
Blooming Time: Mid March - May.
Leaves: The narrow, linear, stalkless, thick leaves, about 1 1/2 inches long with characteristic square teeth on the edge, coverd with a fine grey down, usually giving a grey-green overall appearance.
Found: Found throughout lower elevations in Arizona.
Elevation: 0 - 2500 Feet.
Habitat: Chalky/alkaline, Dry, Sandy, Well-drained/light soils. An ideal landscape plant in Arizona. Native of the world Mediteranian Regions.
Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 24, 2003. Glendale Public Library, Xeriscape Demonstration Garden.
