This species is currently (2024) treated as comprising 7 subspecies. Although very similar morphologically, they can be seperated on morphological grounds and they can also differ quite considerably in the essential oil they produce and on the aroma of the plant. Each subspecies is found on a different island in the Canaries. There has been a suggestion that some if not all of the subspecies could be treated as distinct species, but at present this has not been done[].

Common Name:

General Information

Lavandula canariensis is an erect, evergreen perennial plant with stems that are woody near the base[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental.
Lavandula canariensis is widespread and at times common on the main island of Tenerife, though several subspecies on other islands are under some degree of threat (see below for more information). The species as a whole is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2004)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Macaronesia - Canary Islands

Habitat

Xerophytic shrub zone, growing on dry rocky slopes, cliffs, areas of abandoned cultivation; at elevations from sea level to 600 metres, occasionally to 900 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Lavandula canariensis is a plant of arid regions in the subtropical zone. It is not very cold-hardy and in cooler temperate regions it only succeeds outdoors as a summer bedding plant, though it will overwinter in a cold greenhouse[].
Requires a sunny, sheltered position in a very well-drained soil.
The seven subspecies are as follows:-
Lavandula canariensis subsp. canariae Upson & S.Andrews. Found on Northern Gran Canaria, this highly aromatic form grows up to 100cm tall and 160cm wide. This subspecies is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2004)[].
Lavandula canariensis subsp. canariensis. Found on Tenerife, this is the typical subspecies, growing up to 100cm tall[].
Lavandula canariensis subsp. fuerteventurae Upson & S.Andrews. Found on Fuerteventura, it is an aromatic shrub up to 200cm tall. This subspecies is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2004)[].
Lavandula canariensis subsp. gomerensis Upson & S.Andrews. Found on La Gomera, it can grow around 80 - 160cm tall and 80 - 110cm wide. This form is said to be totally lacking in aroma. This subspecies is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2004)[].
Lavandula canariensis subsp. hierrensis Upson & S.Andrews, Found on El Hierro, it is an aromatic plant around 50 - 100cm tall. This subspecies is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2004)[].
Lavandula canariensis subsp. lancerottensis Upson & S.Andrews. Found on Lanzarote and growing around 50 - 100cm tall. This subspecies is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2004)[].
Lavandula canariensis subsp. palmensis Upson & S.Andrews. Found on La Palma, it usually grows around 60 - 80cm tall, occasionally reaching 150cm. This subspecies is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2004)[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is disinfectant, vermifuge. An infusion is used in the treatment of stomach complaints[]. (This report did not specify which subspecies it was referring to).

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed[]. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Usually very easy, a high percentage will root within a few weeks[]. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings 7cm with a heel succeed at almost any time of the year[].
Layering.