What is the scientific name of English lavender?

The scientific name of English lavender is Lavandula angustifolia.

Lavandula angustifolia is an aromatic evergreen shrub in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Despite its common name, it is native to the Mediterranean basin rather than England. It is also called true lavender, common lavender, garden lavender and narrow-leaved lavender; “angustifolia” refers to its narrow leaves.

The species is prized for fragrant purple flower spikes and for the essential oil distilled from its flowers and foliage. Lavender oil has long been used in perfumes, cosmetics, balms and household products. The flowers also appear in culinary preparations, including some versions of the herb blend herbes de Provence.

English lavender is often confused with Lavandula latifolia, or spike lavender, and with Lavandula stoechas, commonly called Spanish lavender. A hybrid between L. angustifolia and L. latifolia is known as lavandin, or Lavandula × intermedia, and is widely cultivated for commercial oil. English lavender prefers full sun and sharply drained soil, reflecting its dry Mediterranean origins.