Some lavenders labelled weeds
The question being asked is lavender an aromatic herb or noxious weed? I was surprised that not everyone shared my love of this amazing aromatic herb. But no, they definitely do not!
Eastern Parts of Australia
In parts of Australia some types of lavender are called “noxious weed”!
To me lavender has always been a beautiful plant with an amazing perfume.
Native Plants Being Threatened
However, I have it on good authority that some horticulturalists have called some types of lavender a noxious weed.
Apparently it grows prolifically in bushland and the native plants are being threatened. This came as somewhat of a shock to me, so I began investigating further.
Specific Lavenders Named
The CSIRO have deemed bush lavender, French lavender, Spanish lavender and Italian lavender a “noxious weed”, “environmental weed” and a “casual alien” to name but some and they are after all an authority on these things.
As the spread of lavender seeds is by water and wind; stands to reason that they spread easily (taken from an article entitled “Weed Identification, Australia-Topped Lavender”).
Seen as Noxious Weeds in Victoria
In Victoria, I have read in several articles that they definitely see it as a noxious weed. Stands to reason I guess that as with all plants out of their natural habitat and planted where native plants grow, it can be seen as a weed.
Regardless what I or any others choose to think! Being a townie from way back, further underlines my lack of authority in this area.
It doesn’t even come to the party as an edible treat for domestic livestock. To make matters worse, it serves as a comfortable place for rabbits to settle down and feel at home in.
Even us townies know rabbits are not the farmers’ favourite friend; so enough said eh?!
English Lavender (lavandula angustifolia)
Well almost enough said. Just one more thing. I did heave a sigh of relief to see the omission of English Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) on the ‘experts list of weeds’. This is definitely my all-time favourite lavender and the one that has so many uses.
Spanish and French Lavender
Here in Western Australia both Spanish and French lavenders are planted in many suburban gardens. They are definitely a favourite in many local gardens near where I live. And enjoying a Mediterranean climate they thrive here too.
As with all things lavender, I would like others opinions on how they see the lovely lavender … aromatic herb or noxious weed. That is the definitely the burning question. For now anyway.
Related Articles
Spanish Lavender – lavandula stoechas
Return to Home Page from Aromatic Herb or Noxious Weed
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Very interesting article.
Keep it up.
Thanks Theo. I’m publishing regular articles. Check in regularly to read them
Patricia
Wow, Patricia! You wouldn’t believe how many of my newsletter readers wished their lavender grew so well! Most of us are in areas that we must nurture our lavender.
Great job on an interesting article…I vote aromatic herb!
With grins,
Susan
Hi Susan
Here in Perth I reckon we vote aromatic herb too.
Patricia
Perth Australia
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
Thanks. I love researching the many uses of lavenders and discussing topics of interest with other lavender lovers
Patricia Perth Australia
Any plant that is not a part of the native ecosystem but will grow and spread in the wild is a noxious weed. You referenced rabbits. Weren’t they introduced into Australia for hunting or something, then grew and spread out of control? Plants do that too, and are just as damaging to the ecosystem. So you have to be responsible about what you grow. If you want to grow lavenders that are considered noxious, grow them in a greenhouse where they cannot spread their seed and cause a problem. Then you can harvest what you want of them and enjoy them without causing damage to the environment.
You are so right. We don’t seem to have that problem in Western Australia. They are grown in suburban gardens but don’t seem to have infiltrated our ecosystems. Maybe we are more diligent in the west. Yes rabbits were introduced by the British along with foxes for huntng. They have both now been branded as pests. Rabbits decimate the countryside and foxes destroy livestock. Just goes to show that we shouldn’t be interefering so much but doubt we are learning that much from our mistakes. Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.
Patricia Perth Australia