Lavender is a small bush that bears fragrant flowers and leaves. It grows wild in Mediterranean countries and is widely cultivated. There are more than a dozen species (kinds).
Lavender bushes grow from 3 to 4 feet (91 to 120 centimeters) high. They have long, narrow, pale green leaves and pale purple flowers. This shade of purple is called lavender after the flowers. The flowers grow in clusters around the stem. When dried, they keep their fragrance for a long time.
Lavender comes from a Latin word that means to wash. This name may have been used because the ancient Romans used the leaves and flowers of the plant to scent their bathwater. Women once routinely stored dried lavender flowers with their linens and clothing. Today, the dried flowers are used in fragrant sachets (powders) and potpourris (mixtures). The flowers also are distilled to make an oil that is used in some perfumes.
