Rosemary
Aromatic Mediterranean shrub used as flavoring and symbol of remembrance.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, synonym Rosmarinus officinalis) is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and purple or sometimes white, pink, or blue flowers. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is native to the Mediterranean region. The species has numerous cultivars, and its leaves are commonly used as a flavoring.
- Scientific name
- Salvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native region
- Mediterranean region
- Height
- 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft)
- Lifespan
- Up to 35 years
- Flower colors
- White, pink, purple, deep blue
- Hardiness
- Down to about −20 °C (−4 °F) for some cultivars
Lore & Background
The epithet officinalis could not be used because Salvia officinalis already existed, so Spenner used Salvia rosmarinus as a replacement name. The plant flowers in spring and summer in temperate climates but may bloom constantly in warm climates; it has been known to flower as late as early December and as early as mid-February in the Northern Hemisphere. It likely arrived in England with the Romans, but this remains speculative. Rosemary arrived in the Americas with early European settlers in the early 17th century and was spread globally.
Reader's Guide
Rosemary holds significance as a culinary herb, ornamental plant, and cultural symbol. Its leaves are used as a flavoring in stews, roasted meats, marinades, and herbal tea, and its extract—containing carnosic acid and carnosol—is approved as a food preservative (E392). The plant is drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and pest-resistant, making it popular in Mediterranean-climate gardens and xeriscaping. It can be pruned into formal shapes and hedges, and groundcover cultivars spread widely. Culturally, rosemary was considered sacred to ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, and was written about by Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides. In Shakespeare's plays, it appears as a symbol of remembrance in burial rites. In Europe and Australia, mourners toss sprigs into graves, and in Australia it is worn on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, as the herb grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The plant also features in Danube Swabian traditions for christenings, weddings, and festivals.
Did You Know?
- Rosemary can live as long as 35 years.
- Rosemary essential oil contains 10–20% camphor.
- In Australia, sprigs of rosemary are worn on ANZAC Day and sometimes Remembrance Day to signify remembrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub with fragrant, needle-shaped leaves that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its current scientific name is Salvia rosmarinus, though you may still see the older synonym Rosmarinus officinalis in older cookbooks.
What role does Rosemary play in cooking?
Rosemary's leaves are a bold, aromatic Mediterranean flavoring herb widely used to season roasted meats, potatoes, focaccia, and other dishes. Its intense pine-like fragrance makes a small amount go a long way in the kitchen.
Where does Rosemary originally come from?
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows as a hardy, sun-loving shrub. In the wild it can reach roughly 4 to 6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in height.
How long can a Rosemary plant live?
A healthy Rosemary shrub can survive for up to 35 years, making it one of the longer-lived culinary herbs. Its evergreen foliage stays fragrant and harvestable throughout the year in suitable climates.
What do Rosemary flowers look like?
Rosemary produces small blossoms that may appear in shades of purple, white, pink, or deep blue, depending on the cultivar. These delicate flowers contrast with the plant's dark, needle-like evergreen leaves.
Elsewhere in the Spices & Herbs universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record