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Can You Use “Ornamental” Lavender for Tea? (Identifying Food-Safe Varieties)

Can You Use “Ornamental” Lavender for Tea? (Identifying Food-Safe Varieties)

That beautiful lavender in your garden may look perfect for tea—but not all lavender is created equal. Learn how to spot food-safe varieties, avoid bitter or chemically-treated blooms, and brew a fragrant, safe cup every time.

Introduction

lavender tea with dried buds and fresh lavender plant in background

That beautiful lavender growing in your garden might look perfect for a calming cup of tea—but is it actually safe to use?

Many people assume all lavender is the same. In reality, there’s an important difference between ornamental lavender for tea and food-safe lavender varieties. While most lavender plants are not considered toxic in small amounts, not all are suitable for drinking due to flavor, growing conditions, and chemical exposure.

If you’ve ever wondered, “can you drink lavender tea from any plant?”—this guide will help you make the right choice. You’ll learn how to identify culinary lavender, avoid common mistakes, and safely enjoy lavender as part of your plant-based wellness routine.

Table of Contents

  • What is ornamental lavender

  • Can all lavender be used for tea

  • How to identify food-safe lavender

  • Best lavender varieties for tea

  • Risks of using the wrong type

  • How to harvest and prepare lavender

  • FAQs

What Is Ornamental Lavender?

ornamental lavender plants growing in a decorative garden setting

Purpose of Ornamental Varieties

Ornamental lavender is primarily grown for:

  • Decorative landscaping

  • Fragrance in gardens

  • Visual appeal in outdoor spaces

These varieties are often selected for their vibrant color and strong scent rather than their taste.

Differences From Culinary Lavender

Culinary lavender is specifically chosen for consumption, while ornamental types may differ in key ways:

  • Stronger, sharper aroma

  • More bitter or perfumed taste

  • Not optimized for food use

The primary chemical difference between ornamental and culinary lavender is the concentration of camphor.

  • Ornamental varieties (like French or Spanish lavender) have high camphor levels, which gives them a medicinal, "piney," or soapy smell. In tea, high camphor can cause digestive upset and a very unpleasant, bitter aftertaste.

  • Culinary varieties (English lavender) have much higher levels of linalool and linalyl acetate, which provide the sweet, floral, and calming notes associated with high-quality herbal infusions.

This is why not all lavender is ideal for tea.

Can All Lavender Be Used for Tea?

comparison of culinary lavender and ornamental lavender bunches

General Safety Considerations

Most lavender species are generally considered safe in small culinary amounts. However, safety doesn’t always equal suitability.

Organizations like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health note that herbal products vary widely in quality depending on preparation and source.

Why “Edible” Doesn’t Always Mean Ideal

Even if a lavender plant isn’t harmful, it may still not be pleasant to drink.

  • Some varieties taste overly strong or soapy

  • Flavor quality varies significantly between species

  • Plants may have been treated with pesticides

So while you can use some ornamental lavender, it’s often not recommended.

How to Identify Food-Safe Lavender Varieties

close up of food safe lavender buds with soft purple color

Key Characteristics to Look For

Food-safe lavender typically has:

  • A mild, slightly sweet floral scent

  • Soft purple buds

  • A balanced, not overpowering aroma

If the smell feels too intense, the flavor likely will be too.

Common Culinary Lavender Types

The most commonly used type is:

  • English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This variety is preferred because of its smoother taste and lower bitterness.

Labels and Sourcing Tips

To ensure quality:

  • Look for “culinary lavender” or “food-grade” labels

  • Choose organic or untreated sources

  • Buy from trusted herbal suppliers

Avoid using plants if you’re unsure how they were grown.

Beware of "Spike" Lavender (Lavandula latifolia): This is a common ornamental variety often used in industrial perfumes. It has a very high camphor content (up to 25%). While not toxic in small amounts, it is almost universally considered "non-culinary" because it tastes like mentholated cough drops. If your garden lavender has broad leaves and branched flower spikes, it is likely a Spike variety and should stay in the garden, not your teacup.

Best Lavender Varieties for Tea

english lavender plants commonly used for tea

Why English Lavender Is Preferred

English lavender is widely used in herbal teas because:

  • It has a gentle, balanced flavor

  • It blends well with other herbs

  • It’s less likely to taste bitter

Varieties Often Used in Herbal Tea

Common culinary cultivars include:

  • ‘Munstead’

  • ‘Hidcote’

These are known for their mild aroma and suitability for infusions.

Flavor Profile Comparison

  • Culinary lavender: smooth, light, slightly sweet

  • Ornamental lavender: strong, sharp, sometimes overpowering

This difference becomes very noticeable in tea.

Risks of Using Ornamental Lavender for Tea

lavender plants being treated with pesticides showing potential risk for tea use

Chemical Exposure

Ornamental plants may be treated with:

  • Pesticides

  • Fertilizers not intended for food use

These residues can remain on the plant. Unlike food crops, ornamental plants sold at big-box nurseries are often treated with systemic pesticides (like neonicotinoids). These chemicals are absorbed into the plant's actual tissue and cannot be "washed off." If you bought your lavender from a non-organic landscaping center, it may contain these chemicals for months or even years. Only harvest for tea if you have grown the plant yourself organically or purchased it from a certified food-grade grower.

Unpleasant Taste

Using the wrong type can result in:

  • Bitter flavors

  • Soapy or perfumed notes

  • An overpowering drinking experience

Uncertain Plant Identification

Not all lavender species look very different at first glance.

Misidentification can lead to:

  • Poor flavor

  • Inconsistent results

How to Harvest Lavender for Tea

harvesting lavender flowers with scissors for tea preparation

Best Time to Harvest

Harvest lavender when:

  • Flowers are just beginning to open

  • Aroma is at its peak

This stage provides the best balance of scent and flavor.

Proper Harvesting Techniques

  • Cut healthy flower spikes

  • Avoid wilted or damaged buds

  • Use clean scissors or pruning tools

Drying and Storage Tips

  • Air dry in a cool, shaded space

  • Ensure good airflow

  • Store in airtight containers away from light

Proper drying helps preserve aroma and quality.

How to Prepare Lavender Tea

brewing lavender tea with dried lavender buds in hot water

Basic Brewing Method

  • Use a small amount of dried buds (about 1 teaspoon per cup)

  • Pour hot water over the lavender

  • Steep for 5–10 minutes

Start light—lavender can quickly become too strong.

Blending Ideas

Lavender pairs well with:

  • Chamomile

  • Mint

  • Lemon balm

Blending helps balance its intensity.

Flavor Adjustment Tips

  • Add honey for sweetness

  • Use lemon for brightness

  • Adjust quantity to taste

Best Practices for Choosing Safe Lavender

food grade culinary lavender packaging on kitchen counter

Buy From Trusted Sources

  • Herbal shops

  • Certified growers

  • Reputable online suppliers

Avoid Roadside or Unknown Plants

Plants grown near roads may be exposed to:

  • Pollution

  • Chemicals

Start With Small Quantities

Test small amounts first to:

  • Evaluate flavor

  • Ensure a pleasant experience

Common Mistakes to Avoid

picking lavender from roadside showing unsafe sourcing mistake

Using Any Garden Lavender Without Checking

Not all garden lavender is suitable for consumption.

Overusing Lavender in Tea

Too much lavender can:

  • Overpower the flavor

  • Make the tea unpleasant

Ignoring Plant Treatment History

Always consider how the plant was grown and treated.

Quick Tips for Beginners

  • Choose labeled culinary lavender

  • Use small amounts when brewing

  • Store dried lavender properly

  • Blend with other herbs for balance

Interesting Facts About Lavender

  • Lavender has been used traditionally in herbal infusions for centuries

  • Different species produce noticeably different aromas

  • Culinary lavender is specifically selected for flavor, not just fragrance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is ornamental lavender toxic to drink?

Most varieties are not toxic in small amounts, but they are not ideal due to taste and potential chemical exposure.

What is the best lavender for tea?

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most commonly recommended type.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but use smaller amounts since fresh lavender has a stronger flavor.

How do I know if my lavender is food-safe?

- Check labels
- Know the source
- Avoid chemically treated plants

Conclusion

lavender tea with culinary lavender in a clean kitchen setting

Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to tea. While ornamental varieties may look appealing, they often lack the flavor quality and safety considerations needed for consumption.

Choosing food-safe lavender varieties ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience. With the right selection, proper preparation, and mindful use, lavender tea can become a pleasant addition to your plant-based wellness routine.

Exploring the differences between plant types not only improves your tea—it deepens your understanding of how natural plants are traditionally and practically used.

References

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Aromatherapy (Essential Oils). National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aromatherapy

  2. University of Maryland Medical Center. (n.d.). Lavender: Overview. (Herbal Medicine Historical Context).
    https://www.umms.org/ummc/news/2017/lavender-herb-guide

  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Pesticide Basics.
    https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/pesticide-basics

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