Lavender is an aromatic shrub in the mint family, which can reach a height of 5 feet. It is a long- lived perennial with a typical productive life of about 10-15 years. It takes three years for lavender to reach full size and start producing. Lavandula angustifolia cultivars are called “English” or “true” lavenders and they are the hardiest lavenders surviving 5 F. Different lavenders are used for different purposes. Some varieties are grown for their fragrance, others for their oils and some for decorative purposes. Flower spikes can reach up to 3 feet and the oil distilled from the flower is of high quality. Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements, potpourris and as a deterrent to moths in homes. The flowers are edible and can be candied or used as decorations. Lavender is also used as an herb for cooking and for medicinal purposes acting as a remedy for maladies such as headaches and insomnia. The plant can be grown commercially for the extraction of its oil, which is used in perfumes, cosmetitics, antiseptics and aromatherapy. More than 30 different types of lavender oils and blends are traded on world markets. In Washington there is an opportunity to produce lavender for oil on a large scale for industrial uses, which includes laundry and dishwashing detergents.