Bog Rosemary

photo by Aaron Carlson CC BY-SA

Bog Rosemarys are low, sprawling, evergreen shrubs (8 in-2.5 ft) with narrow, leathery blue-green leaves that roll under (1-2 in long). They have drooping clusters of white or pink bell-shaped flowers (.25 in) that bloom in late May or early June.

Bog Rosemarys grow in acid bogs across Canada, Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and the northeastern United States.

Could it be? Bog Rosemary leaves have a sharp tip, while the leaves of Bog Sheep Laurels are a little wider and not as pointed. Labrador Tea has wider leaves with hairy twigs and a pungent smell when crushed.

Did you know? Bog Rosemarys have perfumed flowers designed to attract pollinators. However, they're not dependent on seeds to reproduce as they also spread through underground rootstock and runners.

See Also: Bunchberry