Lavender

Lavandula L.

Family: Lamiaceae

Full Sun
Drought Tolerant
Perennial Herb

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

not applicable: not a food plant

Hazard type

Linalool, linalyl acetate

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA lists Lavender (Common Lavender, English Lavender: Lavandula angustifolia) as Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, and Toxic to Horses: ASPCA page, species-level listing. Toxic principles: linalool and linalyl acetate (the same aromatic compounds responsible for lavender's characteristic scent). Clinical signs are mild: nausea, vomiting (not seen in horses), and inappetence (reduced appetite): similar severity tier to gardenia, not the cardiac-risk tier of azalea.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 5a-9b (NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Lavandula angustifolia).
Mature size: 1-2 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide (NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Lavandula angustifolia).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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