Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Cotton Lavender
MainColor	Yellow
PlantType	Shrub
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	July
ImageUrl	Santolina-001
Photographer	DP
Location	Hambleton
Human Toxicity	Mildly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A compact, aromatic shrub with finely divided, silver-grey foliage and clusters of small yellow button-like flowers. Valued for its drought tolerance and decorative use in borders and knot gardens.

Distribution

Native to the Mediterranean; widely grown in the UK.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Traditionally used as an insect repellent and in herbal medicine for digestive complaints.

Edibility

Not edible; aromatic oils make it bitter.

Human Toxicity

May cause stomach upset if ingested in quantity; essential oils can be irritating.

Pet Toxicity

Mild concern – can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs if eaten.

Active Compounds

Volatile oils (including camphor and borneol), sesquiterpenes.