Also known as Spanish Lavender, French Lavender, Butterfly Lavender
Topped lavender stands out among Mediterranean shrubs with its dense, pinecone-shaped flower spikes crowned by a cluster of vibrant violet or magenta bracts. Native to dry scrublands and coastal hillsides, this evergreen shrub releases a strong camphor-like fragrance when its narrow gray-green leaves are brushed. It plays a vital role in Mediterranean garrigue ecosystems by attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout spring and early summer.
Contains essential oils toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep plants out of reach of pets.
Why it is dangerous
Essential oils such as linalool and linalyl acetate present throughout the foliage can cause gastrointestinal upset and neurological symptoms in pets if eaten.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by the distinct tuft of leaflike pink to purple bracts sitting atop each dense pinecone-shaped floral head.
What to do
Keep decorative potted plants away from curious cats and dogs, and enjoy the fragrant flowers visually in outdoor garden beds.
Responsible observation
Optimal viewing: Visit sun-drenched coastal hillsides in spring when flower spikes display bright violet tops.
Garden care: Prune lightly after blooming to keep foliage bushy and promote fresh growth.
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