English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is the species most people recognize when picturing this fragrant herb. Despite its name, this perennial is native to the Mediterranean but was named for its ability to thrive in the English climate. Understanding the visual characteristics of L. angustifolia requires focusing on its flowers, foliage, and how these features compare to other popular lavender types.
The Signature Flowers and Spike
The most recognizable feature of English lavender is its dense, elongated floral display, which rises above the foliage on slender, leafless stems. These flowering spikes, or inflorescences, are typically short and compact, measuring between 2 to 8 centimeters in length. The actual blooms are small, two-lipped, tubular florets arranged in a whorl-like pattern along the spike.
While the classic color is a rich lavender-purple, cultivars also feature blooms in shades ranging from deep violet-blue to pale pink and even pure white. Each whorl consists of clusters of six to ten individual florets, contributing to the spike’s dense appearance. The flowering spike appears as a tight, candle-like column without any prominent, petal-like structures extending from the top.
The flowering stems are held upright, extending 10 to 30 centimeters above the basal foliage. These stems are generally four-sided when young, later becoming more rounded as they age. This upright habit ensures the aromatic flowers are prominently displayed.
Foliage and Overall Plant Structure
The visual texture of English lavender is defined by its unique foliage and shrub-like structure. The leaves are narrow, linear, and small, usually measuring 2 to 6 centimeters long. This narrow shape is reflected in the plant’s specific epithet, angustifolia, which translates to “narrow-leaved.”
A fine layer of soft, dense hairs covers the leaves, giving them a characteristic silvery-gray or muted blue-green color. This coating contributes to the plant’s fine texture. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems, and their edges are smooth, or entire, without any serrations or teeth.
As a semi-woody sub-shrub, L. angustifolia forms a compact, rounded mound, typically reaching a height of 1 to 3 feet. The base develops a woody structure that provides a permanent framework. This dense, mounding habit and persistent silver-gray foliage maintain a tidy appearance throughout the year.
Key Differences from Other Lavender Types
To visually distinguish English lavender from its relatives, compare its features to Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata). Spanish lavender produces stout, pinecone-shaped flower heads topped by prominent, upright, petal-like structures called bracts, which often resemble “bunny ears.”
In contrast, English lavender flowers form a simple, dense spike without these showy bracts. French lavender, often called fringed lavender, is identified by its foliage. While English lavender leaves are smooth-edged, the leaves of L. dentata have distinctly toothed or serrated margins.
The overall plant habit also provides a distinguishing feature. English lavender tends to form a compact, tidy mound, unlike hybrids like Lavandin (L. x intermedia). Lavandin grows into much larger, coarser, hedge-like forms with longer flower stems.