Lavandula stoechas L. Lavandula stoechas, the Spanish lavender or topped lavender (U.S.) or French lavender (U.K.), is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, occurring natively in several Mediterranean countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey and Greece.

Spanish lavender is a common name for Lavandula stoechas, a species of lavender native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and France. It is also known by other common names such as French lavender, butterfly lavender, or topped lavender.

Lavandula stoechas, commonly called Spanish lavender, butterfly lavender, or French lavender, is an evergreen sub-shrub native to dry, rocky slopes along the the Mediterranean coast. Mature plants will reach 1-3' tall with a similar spread. The aromatic, linear foliage will reach around 0.5-1.5" long and has revolute margins (curved downward).

A stocky, very fragrant lavender, Lavandula stoechas is native to dry, semi-arid climates around the Mediterranean. It’s one of the two that are called French lavender (with L. dentata). It’s one of the most fragrant lavenders. Oils in it are concentrated even more when drought and hot weather strike. It’s often used in cosmetics and perfumes.