French lavender

Lavandula stoechas

Layer 3 · Shrubs
Attracts pollinators

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as French lavender or topped lavender, is a perennial and aromatic subshrub native to the Mediterranean basin, characterised by its compact habit and striking purple flowering. In a food forest, it successfully occupies the sunny margins of the low shrub layer, where it acts as an excellent attractor of pollinators and beneficial insects, whilst also helping to repel pests through its strong scent. Furthermore, its high drought tolerance and root system make it ideal for soil conservation and the stabilisation of eroded areas.

See which trees French lavender grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Shrub up to 1 m
Mature diameter: 0.8 m
Soils: Loam, Sandy
Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Harvest — Planting
May — Harvest
June — Harvest
July
August
September
October — Planting
November — Planting
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: Used in infusions to calm anxiety and relieve respiratory disorders.

Where to buy

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.