Lavender is native to the Southern Alps, and different varieties grow wild throughout the Beyond region. In the 16th century, the Provençal peasants produced lavender oil to heal wounds and expel intestinal worms. The true lavender Lavendula angustifolia that thrives in the chalky soils and hot, dry climate of higher altitudes of the Provence was picked systematically at the end of the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, fields of lavender were first planted, at altitudes above 700 m. Since the true lavender grows best at over 700 m, a hybrid, Lavandin, was developed for cultivation at lower altitudes.

Website: http://www.beyond.fr/flora/lavender.html