Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Rosemary is the fragrant kitchen herb whose narrow leaves stay green through winter in warm areas. In the United States, it is grown in herb gardens and containers, especially where winters are mild.

Appearance

Growth form: An evergreen, woody shrub, it often grows about 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) tall in North Carolina gardens.
Leaves: Narrow leaves are dark green above and pale beneath. Bruising them releases a strong scent.
Flowers: Small blue, lavender, or white flowers grow along the stems.
Flowering time: In North Carolina, flowers can appear from spring into summer.

Look-alikes

English lavenderLavandula angustifolia

Both have fragrant, narrow leaves. Rosemary's leaves are dark green above and pale beneath, with small flowers along the stems; English lavender has gray-green leaves and flower spikes at the stem tips.

Why they get mixed upBoth are aromatic shrubs sold as garden herbs.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: herb gardens
containers
sunny borders
Range: Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary is grown in the United States, including North Carolina.
Preferred conditions: In North Carolina, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil and dislikes wet conditions. It is listed for 8–10.

Growing it

Care: The leaves are used to flavor food, and the shrub is also grown for its scent and foliage.
Propagation: usually grow more readily than seeds.

Name and classification

About the name: Rosemary was once called Rosmarinus officinalis.
Varieties and forms: Garden varieties may stand upright or spread along the ground; some have pink or white flowers.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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