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Wakefield Museums and Castles
Pontefract Castle
Medieval herb garden blog 54: Cotton lavender
Tuesday, January 20, 2026Week 54 volunteer update
Although it was a lot warmer this morning, the ground was still very A very misty start today. The ground was saturated as per usual these days, so no works could be done.
We had a new volunteer, Kim, starting with us. We got Kim kitted-out with a uniform and went through health and safety guidance. We also explained the benefits of Citizen Coin and how to claim them. Volunteers receive Citizen Coins as a reward for their work.
We also gave Kim a guided tour of the Medieval Herb Garden and Pontefract Castle.
Plant of the week: Cotton lavender (santolina chamaecyparissus)
Cotton Lavender gets its name from its soft, cottony-textured foliage. Its strong scent is a bit similar to lavender.
Its scientific name is 'Santolina chamaecyparissus'. This possibly comes from the Latin 'sanctus' (holy) and 'linum' (like flax). The second half is probably from the Greek 'chamai' (on the ground) and 'kyparissos' (cypress). However, the plant is not actually related to either of them.
Cotton lavender growing in the Medieval Herb Garden
Cotton lavender is native to the Mediterranean. It is an aromatic, dwarf, evergreen, perennial shrub. It can grow in any soil but clay. It prefers well-drained soil, as it can be prone to root-rot if it is kept too wet. Cotton lavender prefers full sun, in either an east or south-facing position.
It can reach a height and spread of 4 ft / 1.2 m. It has narrow, silvery, woolly, pinnately dissected leaves. If it flowers, its flowering time is between June and August. It grows long-stalked, button-like, bright yellow, composite flowerheads. These can be up to 1 inch / 2.5 cm across. The disc florets are tubular. There are no ray florets.
Cotton lavender has a shallow, fibrous, root system. This is suited to dry, well-drained conditions. It has small seeds, like black specks. These need to be sown on the surface for germination.
The fragrance of cotton lavender has been described as a mix of “chamomile, yarrow, camphor, oregano, and sometimes has bitter, resinous, or even slightly minty notes”. But others think it smells similar to cats!
Cotton lavender in flower
Culinary uses of cotton lavender
Cotton lavender leaves have been described as “chamomile-like”. They can be added to flavour broths, soups and sauces. They can also be used in rice, meat and fish dishes.
However, it must be used sparingly due to its strong flavour. It should not be eaten in large quantities.
Use of cotton lavender as a dye plant
Cotton lavender leaves and flowers can be used as a dye. They produce a yellow or a light-to-medium brown colour. The colour depends on the process and materials used.
Folklore and other facts about cotton lavender
Dried cotton lavender leaves were mixed with chamomile and coltsfoot to form a herbal tobacco.
In cosmetics, cotton lavender is used as a tonic. A perfume oil can also be extracted from it. It was often used in potpourri.
Cotton lavender is susceptible to common fungal diseases. These include as root / crown rot, phytophthora and pythium wilt, and botrytis. Aphids can also be a significant pest.
However, cotton lavender attracts some beneficial insects, mainly bees. These including solitary bees like colletes daviesanus, butterflies and hoverflies. It also attracts insects like ladybirds and parasitic wasps, which help control garden pests.
The plant's strong smell acts as a natural deterrent to many common garden pests. Clothes moths, fleas and mosquitos do not like the smell. Branches of cotton lavender were often hung in wardrobes or rooms to repel insects, especially moths.
Medieval medicinal uses of cotton lavender*
Cotton lavender was used as an antidote to poisons and the stings of “venomous creatures”.
A decoction (concentrated liquor) of cotton lavender was commonly used to expel intestinal parasites, and to aid digestion.
Cotton lavender was applied to scabs, dermatitis and "the itch". It was used for its antiseptic and healing properties. In Arab countries, the juice of cotton lavender was used as an eye wash.
However, the plant can be toxic if eaten in large quantities. It may cause skin irritation for some people.
*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.
Medieval herb garden blogs
Browse all blogs by our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle. Discover a different 'Plant of the Week'.