Lavender vs French lavender (Lavandula stoechas): what is the difference?
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas, “karabaş” in Turkish) and true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are relatives of the same genus. French lavender grows wild around the Aegean and Mediterranean; what is grown in fields is usually true lavender.
Side by side
| Lavender | French lavender | |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Lavandula angustifolia | Lavandula stoechas |
| Family | Lamiaceae | Lamiaceae |
| Region | Anatolia and the Mediterranean | Anatolia and the Mediterranean |
| Part used | Flowers | Flowering spikes |
| Use | Healing, Incense and protection | Healing, Incense and protection |
| Scientific evidence | Clinical | Traditional |
| Safety | Generally safe | Caution |
| Legal status in Türkiye | No specific restriction | No specific restriction |
Key differences
- The strong evidence is for true lavender: standardised oil capsules worked for anxiety in several studies. There are very few human studies of French lavender.
- Unlike true lavender, French lavender oil contains large amounts of camphor and fenchone; it should not be taken by mouth or applied to children’s faces, because camphor can cause seizures.
- French lavender should not be used in pregnancy. True lavender is generally safe but can add to the effect of sedatives.
Which one, when?
Check which species a “lavender oil” is made from. French lavender tea can be drunk in moderation; its oil should not replace true lavender oil.
Details
The full evidence, safety notes, drug interactions and sources are on each plant’s own page:
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