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Rosmarinus officinalis
| Common name: |
Rosemary |
Family: |
Labiatae |
| Author: |
L. |
Botanical references: |
11, 50, 200 |
| Synonyms: |
|
| Known Hazards: |
None known |
| Range: |
S. Europe to W. Asia. |
| Habitat: |
Dry scrub and rocky places, especially near the sea[50, 132]. |
| Edibility Rating (1-5): |
4 | Medicinal Rating (1-5): | 3 |
| Other Possible Synonyms: | From various places across the web, may not be correct. See below. |
| R. coronarium[H]
R. officinalis var. prostratus[G]
|
| Other Common Names: | From various places around the Web, may not be correct. See below. |
| Anthos [E], Biberiye [E], Dew Of The Sea [H], Mannen-Ro [E], Romarin [E], Romero [E], Romero Comun [E], Rosemary [H,B,E,P], Rozemarijn [D], |
| Epithets: | From a Dictionary of Botanical Epithets |
|
marinus = near sea
officinalis = sold as an herb
|
| Systematics: | From a USDA Plants Database |
|
Order: Lamiales. Renamed to Lamiaceae -- Mint family
|
| Other Range Info: |
From the Ethnobotany Database |
|
Belgium
Britain Chile China Colombia Europe Greece Haiti Mexico Mexico(Kickapoo) Panama Peru Sicily Spain Turkey Venezuela
|
Physical Characteristics
An evergreen shrub growing to 1.5m by 1.5m at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
We rate it 4/5 for edibility and
3/5 for medicinal use.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil.
The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil.
It cannot grow in the shade.
It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Habitats and Possible Locations
Hedge, Woodland, Cultivated Beds, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Ground Cover.
Cultivar 'Prostratus': Hedge, Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Ground Cover.
Edible Uses
Condiment
Leaves Tea.
Young shoots, leaves and flowers - raw or cooked. The leaves have a
very strong flavour that is bitter and somewhat resinous[238], the flowers
are somewhat milder. They are used in small quantities as a flavouring in
soups and stews, with vegetables such as peas and spinach, and with sweet
dishes such as biscuits cakes, jams and jellies[1, 2, 9, 15, 27, 52, 244].
They can be used fresh or dried[21].The leaves have a tough texture and so
should either be used very finely chopped, or in sprigs that can be removed
after cooking[238].
A fragrant tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves[21, 183]. It is said
to be especially nice when mixed with tansy[183].
Medicinal Uses
Disclaimer
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic Aromatherapy Aromatic Astringent Cardiac Carminative Cholagogue Diaphoretic Emmenagogue Nervine Ophthalmic Stimulant Stomachic Tonic.
Rosemary is commonly grown in the herb garden as a domestic remedy,
used especially as a tonic and pick-me-up when feeling depressed, mentally
tired, nervous etc[238]. Research has shown that the plant is rich in
volatile oils, flavanoids and phenolic acids, which are strongly antiseptic
and anti-inflammatory[238]. Rosmarinic acid has potential in the treatment of
toxic shock syndrome, whilst the flavonoid diosmin is reputedly more
effective than rutin in reducing capillary fragility[238]. Rosmarol, an
extract from the leaves, has shown remarkably high antioxidant activity[218].
The whole plant is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, cardiac,
carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, stimulant,
stomachic and tonic[4, 21, 89, 165, 218]. An infusion of the flowering stems
made in a closed container to prevent the steam from escaping is effective in
treating headaches, colic, colds and nervous diseases[4]. A distilled water
from the flowers is used as an eyewash[7]. The leaves can be harvested in the
spring or summer and used fresh, they can also be dried for later use[7].
This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women since in excess it
can cause an abortion[238].
An essential oil distilled from the stems and leaves is often used
medicinally, that distilled from the flowering tops is superior but not often
available[4]. The oil is applied externally as a rubefacient, added to
liniments, rubbed into the temples to treat headaches and used internally as
a stomachic and nervine[4].
The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Stimulant'[210]. We have a more details factsheet on the history and medicinal use of this plant. Email webmaster@pfaf.org for details.
Other Uses
Dye
Essential Ground cover Hair Hedge Incense Repellent.
The growing plant is said to repel insects from neighbouring plants[14,
18, 89, 201]. Branches or sachets of the leaves are often placed in clothes
cupboards to keep moths away[148].
An infusion of the dried plant (both leaves and flowers) is used in
shampoos[4, 14, 201]. When combined with borax and used cold, it is one of
the best hair washes known and is effective against dandruff[4].
An essential oil is obtained from the leaves and flowering stems[11, 57, 89,
171]. One kilo of oil is obtained from 200 kilos of flowering stems[4]. The
oil is used in perfumery, soaps, medicinally etc[11, 57, 89, 171]. It is
often added to hair lotions and is said to prevent premature baldness[4].
The leaves are burnt as an incense, fumigant and disinfectant[61, 244].
The cultivar 'Prostratus' can be used as a ground cover in a sunny
position[188]. This cultivar is the least hardy form of the species[188].
The plant can be grown as a hedge, it is fairly resistant to maritime
exposure[49, 75], though when this is coupled with very cold weather the
plants can suffer severely[11]. Any trimming is best carried out after the
plant has flowered[188]. The cultivar 'Miss Jessopp's Upright' is
particularly suitable for hedging[188]. 'Fastigiatus' is also very
suitable[K].
A yellow-green dye is obtained from the leaves and flowers[168].
Cultivation details
Prefers a hot sunny position and a slightly alkaline light dry soil[11,
14, 27, 37]. Dislikes very heavy soils[11]. Intolerant of excessive winter
wet[200]. Likes a stony calcareous soil[200]. Plants are smaller when grown
on chalky soils, but are more fragrant[4]. Fairly tolerant of maritime
exposure[49, 75] and very tolerant of salt spray[244]. Succeeds in a hot dry
position[200].
Hardy to between -10 and -15° c[184], but plants can be damaged or killed in
severe winters, old plants are the most susceptible[11].
Rosemary is a polymorphic species that is commonly grown in the ornamental
and herb gardens, there are many named varieties[183, 238]. Traditionally,
the plant is a symbol of friendship and fidelity and a wreath of it would be
worn by a bride to denote love and loyalty[244]. It was also carried at
religious ceremonies and funerals in the belief that its pungent scent would
ward of disease and evil spirits[244].
The whole plant is highly aromatic[245]. The cultivar 'Corsican Blue' is
more aromatic than the type[245].
Very tolerant of pruning, plants can regenerate from old wood[202].
A good bee plant, producing pollen early in the year[7, 24, 89].
A good companion for most plants, including cabbages, beans, carrots and
sage[14, 18, 54, 201]. Grows badly with potatoes[201].
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame or greenhouse. Germination can be
slow. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough
to handle and grow on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter.
Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 18 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame
or shady border[4]. Very easy, they usually root within 3 weeks[K]. It is
best to give the plants some protection for their first winter and then plant
them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings of young shoots in spring in a frame[15]. They usually root well
within 3 weeks, prick them out into individual pots and plant them out during
the summer.
Layering in summer[1].
Scent
-
Plant: Fresh Crushed Dried
- The whole plant is highly aromatic[245].
Cultivars
- 'Prostratus'
- A prostrate form, it can be used as a ground cover in a sunny position, though it is the least cold-hardy form of the species, tolerating temperatures down to about -5° c[188, 260]. It grows best in a dry soil and does well on the top of a wall where its prostrate habit can cascade down[11]. It is also very tolerant of maritime winds[260].
- 'Miss Jessopp's Upright' 'Fastigiatus'
- An erect and very robust form that tolerates temperatures down to about -10° c, it is one of the hardiest forms of the species[11, 260] and is particularly suitable for hedging[188].
- 'Corsican Blue'
- Growing about 90cm tall, it is a highly aromatic plant with rich porcelain-blue flowers[245].
Suppliers
Plants For A Future is working with the following groups to try and make these plants easily available. Parts of the proceeds will be donated to so please mention us when ordering.
- Wildwood Nurseries
-
Lower Manor Cottage
Thornbury
Holsworthy
Devon
EX22 7DD
Email: lorna@macace.co.uk
Phone 01409 261324
Fax 01409 261324
Distribution: UK
How to order: Direct from Wildwood by email/phone
Last Updated: March 03
Item:
Rosmarinus officinalis
(rosemary)
For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look.
PFAF Web Pages
This plant is mentioned in the following web pages
Web References
- Details of Medicinal Uses, Habitats, etc. in M. Grieve A Modern Herbal (1931) [4]
- [H] Details of Scandanavian and European Common names in Henriette's names database
- [E] Ethnobotany Data
(common names, uses, countries) from the Ethnobotany Database.
- [V] Images
from the Vascular Plant Image Gallery of the Texas A& M Bioinformatics Working Group.
- [W] Photos
(common names, range) from the University of Washington Medicinal Herb Garden.
- [B] Data
(Latin & Common names, other references) from the BONAP's Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
- [G] Data
(Common Names, Uses, Distribution) from the USDA/ARS NPGS's GRIN taxonomic database.
- [PHARM] Phytochemical Data
(common names, uses, countries) from Dr Duke's Phytochemical Database.
- [P] Data.
(uses, distribution, wetland) from the USDA'a Plants database.
- [HP] Links, Photos, Suppliers from Hortiplex Plant Database
References for rosmarinus officinalis (a possible synonym).
See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources.
Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images.
[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
[2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references.
[4] Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
[7] Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984 ISBN 0-356-10541-5
Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs.
[9] Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981 ISBN 0-600-37216-2
Covers plants in Europe. a drawing of each plant, quite a bit of interesting information.
[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
[14] Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979 ISBN 0-87857-262-7
A good herbal.
[15] Bryan. J. and Castle. C. Edible Ornamental Garden. Pitman Publishing 1976 ISBN 0-273-00098-5
A small book with interesting ideas for edible plants in the ornamental garden.
[18] Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979
Details of beneficial and antagonistic relationships between neighbouring plants.
[21] Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983 ISBN 0-553-23827-2
Lots of information tightly crammed into a fairly small book.
[24] Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.
Fairly good with lots of ideas about creating wildlife areas in the garden.
[27] Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8
A reprint of a nineteenth century classic, giving details of vegetable varieties. Not really that informative though.
[37] Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. 1878
Excellent general but extensive guide to gardening practices in the 19th century. A very good section on fruits and vegetables with many little known species.
[49] Arnold-Forster. Shrubs for the Milder Counties.
Trees and shrubs that grow well in &ndndndnd and other mild areas of Britain. Fairly good, a standard reference book.
[50] ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964
An immense work in 6 volumes (including the index). The standard reference flora for europe, it is very terse though and with very little extra information. Not for the casual reader.
[52] Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn 1980
A good and comprehensive guide to temperate salad plants, with full organic details of cultivation.
[54] Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977 ISBN 0-584-10141-4
Interesting reading.
[57] Schery. R. W. Plants for Man.
Fairly readable but not very comprehensive. Deals with plants from around the world.
[61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202
Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.
[75] Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984
A small booklet packed with information on trees and shrubs for hedging and shelterbelts in exposed maritime areas.
[89] Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press 1987 ISBN 0-7012-0784-1
A very readable pocket flora that is well illustrated. Gives some information on plant uses.
[132] Bianchini. F., Corbetta. F. and Pistoia. M. Fruits of the Earth.
Lovely pictures, a very readable book.
[148] Niebuhr. A. D. Herbs of Greece. Herb Society of America. 1970
A pleasant little book about Greek herbs.
[165] Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
An excellent small herbal.
[168] Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
A very good and readable book on dyeing.
[171] Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press 1952
Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some a bit of detail about the plants it does cover.
[183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.
[184] Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Excellent photographs and a terse description of 1900 species and cultivars.
[188] Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Excellent range of photographs, some cultivation details but very little information on plant uses.
[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[201] Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. 1993 ISBN 0-304-34324-2
A well produced and very readable book.
[202] Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990 ISBN 0-670-82929-3
Contains information on 2,000 species and cultivars, giving details of cultivation requirements. The text is terse but informative.
[210] Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood Publishing Ltd 1993 ISBN 0-9517723-0-9
An excellent little pocket guide. Very concise.
[218] Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
[238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
[244] Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. 1990 ISBN 0-330-30725-8
Deals with all types of herbs including medicinal, culinary, scented and dye plants. Excellent photographs with quite good information on each plant.
[245] Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.
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