Lavandula augustifolia (Lavender)

Bushy plant with erect herbaceous stems, grey lanceolate leaves and violet-coloured spikes of flowers. The leaves give an aromatic flavour to salads and the essential oil is much used in the perfume industry and in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It has also been reputed to neutralise viper's venom and is used as an insecticide and antiseptic. The plant is favoured by bees.