The botanical name Lavandula angustifolia refers to which common plant?

The botanical name Lavandula angustifolia refers to English Lavender, a popular herb known for its fragrant flowers and essential oils. This species of lavender is characterized by its narrow leaves and compact flower spikes, which can range in color from lavender to purple. English Lavender is widely cultivated not only for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes but also for its culinary uses and the production of lavender oil, renowned for its aromatic properties and potential therapeutic effects.

In terms of the other plants listed, they each have distinct botanical names and characteristics that differentiate them from English Lavender. For instance, Drooping Leucothoe is known as Leucothoe fontanesiana and is a shrub with elegant, drooping racemes of white flowers. Mountain Laurel refers to Kalmia latifolia, a flowering shrub native to eastern North America, recognized for its distinctive pink and white blooms. Japanese Privet, scientifically known as Ligustrum japonicum, is a shrub often used for hedges but does not have the signature aroma or attributes associated with lavender. Thus, English Lavender is the correct association for the name Lavandula angustifolia.