Rosmarinus officinalis - Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated widely elsewhere. There are many varieties of Rosemary, each has its own unique wonderful aroma and appearance, but practically the same medicinal and culinary purposes.

Most forms are low-growing aromatic, woody, branching, evergreen, shrubs of 4-6 feet in either upright, creeping or prostrate forms. The leathery leaves are narrow, needlelike, lance shaped, entire and up to 2 inches long. Leaves grow in opposite pairs alternating along the woody stem, sometimes close enough to appear as a whorl. The flowers are small, two lipped, the lower lip has 3-lobes, with the center lobe forming a shallow bowl. They occur in short axillary racemes at the top portion of the stems and range in color from white to blue, pink, purple or lavender. Blooming from May to July or later depending on climate and variety.

Publisher: Hirt's Gardens