How to Tell Different Types of Lavender – A Complete Guide
1. Distinguishing by Plant Appearance
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True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
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Slender flower spikes with small, bluish-purple blossoms.
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Compact, low-growing shrubs.
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Thrives in cooler climates and higher altitudes.
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Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
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Wider, branched flower spikes.
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Broader, gray-green leaves.
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Grows in warmer, low-altitude regions.
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Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia)
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A natural hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender.
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Taller plants with longer, fuller flower spikes.
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Yields more essential oil and is commonly used for commercial production.
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Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
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Easily recognized by the “rabbit ear” petals on top of the flower spike.
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Herbal, medicinal scent.
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Mostly ornamental or used in herbal medicine, less commonly for sleep blends.
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2. Distinguishing by Aroma & Chemistry
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True Lavender – Soft, sweet, floral aroma. Rich in linalool and linalyl acetate. Best for relaxation, stress relief, and sleep.
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Spike Lavender – Sharper, more herbal scent. High in 1,8-cineole and camphor, making it stimulating and strongly antibacterial.
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Lavandin – Scent falls between the two, with a noticeable camphor note. Excellent for cleaning, bug repellent, and sore muscle massage.
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Spanish Lavender – Intense herbal smell, often used for respiratory support.
3. Distinguishing by Uses
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Sleep & Relaxation: True lavender is your go-to choice.
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Respiratory & Antibacterial Support: Spike lavender and Spanish lavender work well.
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Muscle Relief & Bug Repellent: Lavandin offers great value and effectiveness.
4. Origin & Price
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True lavender from high-altitude regions like Provence (France), Bulgaria, and Greece is considered premium and usually comes at a higher price.
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Lavandin is much more abundant and budget-friendly.
5. Tips for Buying Lavender Essential Oil
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Check the Latin Name: Look for Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia, etc. to make sure you’re buying the right species.
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Smell It: True lavender smells soft and sweet, while lavandin has a noticeable camphor aroma.
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Ask for a GC-MS Report: Quality brands provide chemical analysis to confirm authenticity and composition.
