False Rosemary

Conradina canescens (kon-rah-DEE-nah kan-ESS-senz)

Family: Lamiaceae Unknown Shrub (3-15 ft)

False rosemary is an evergreen flowering perennial shrub that is native to Southeast Mississippi to Northwest Florida and grows in the sandy coastal dunes, sandhills, and scrub areas. In appearance, it resembles rosemary, the savory cooking spice; however, false rosemary has a minty fragrance when crushed. This shrub grows 2 to 3 feet tall and equally as wide. The stems are upright and woody, and its leaves are needle-like, grayish-green to silvery-green. Flowers bloom from March through November, and they are purplish-white and two-lipped. This plant is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). The genus name, Conradina, is in honor of an American botanist, Solomon White Conrad, from the 18th century. The specific epithet, canescens, is derived from the Latin word canescere , meaning "to turn white or gray." This refers to the white hairs that are found on the flowers and leaves. False rosemary thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained, sandy soils. It is a very drought-tolerant and adaptable plant. It is winter hardy in zones 8a to 9b. Propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Many pollinators are attracted to this plant, especially bees. False rosemary is restricted for use on the coasts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. For those areas, this species may be considered for use as a groundcover in a coastal landscape. This plant has been placed on the endangered list by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.