Wild Rosemary
ExplorePlants
Wild Rosemary
andromeda polifolia
Wild Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia), also known as bog rosemary, is an enchanting, low-growing evergreen shrub native to the cold, acidic peat bogs of the Northern Hemisphere. Belonging to the heath family (Ericaceae), this resilient plant thrives in challenging bog conditions where few other plants can survive. Despite its common name, it is not a true rosemary, but its narrow, needle-like leaves bear a striking resemblance to the culinary herb. Its delicate, pinkish-white, urn-shaped blossoms bring a splash of color to barren wetlands in late spring. It is a vital component of peatland ecosystems, providing microhabitats and floral resources for hardy northern pollinators. For quick identification of Wild Rosemary during outdoor trips, download the Snappit app.
Habitat: Typically found in acidic peat bogs, fens, and wet heaths of subarctic and temperate regions.
Appearance
This dwarf shrub grows up to 40 centimeters tall, featuring tough, leathery, lanceolate leaves with distinctive down-turned margins (revolute edges) that are dark blue-green above and powdery white underneath. In late spring and early summer, it displays clusters of nodding, lantern- or bell-shaped flowers that range in color from pale pink to pure white, hanging from the tips of reddish, woody stems.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusAndromeda
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its common name 'Wild Rosemary', it is highly toxic and completely unrelated to the edible herb rosemary.
Ingesting its leaves can cause serious poisoning due to grayanotoxins, which interfere with cellular sodium channels.
The genus name Andromeda was inspired by the mythological princess chained to a rock, as the plant grows clinging solitary in wet, desolate bogs.
Special abilities
Ability
Chemical Herbivore Defense
Produces toxic grayanotoxins (andromedotoxin) in its foliage to deter browsing herbivores and insects.
Ability
Acidic Soil Adaptation
Utilizes specialized ericoid mycorrhizal fungi in its roots to extract nitrogen and phosphorus from nutrient-poor, acidic peatlands.
Ability
Waxy Water Conservation
Employs heavy wax coatings and tightly rolled leaf margins to trap humidity and minimize water loss during frozen winters.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-45 cm
- Weight
- 0.02-0.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-20 years
Diet & Feeding
As an autotrophic plant, it produces its own energy via photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil minerals.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon Dioxide
- Water
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Rusty Peat Moss
Sphagnum fuscum
Grows mutualistically within living carpets of Sphagnum moss, which help keep the roots wet and acidic.
mutualism
Polar Bumblebee
Bombus polaris
Flowers are pollinated by cold-tolerant bumblebee species that feed on the nectar.
parasite
Andromeda Leaf Gall Fungus
Exobasidium andromedae
An obligate parasitic fungus that causes severe leaf galling and discoloration on Andromeda species.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Wild Rosemary?
The easiest way to identify Wild Rosemary is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Wild Rosemary?
10-45 cm
How much does Wild Rosemary weigh?
0.02-0.2 kg
How long does Wild Rosemary live?
5-20 years
What does Wild Rosemary eat?
As an autotrophic plant, it produces its own energy via photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil minerals.
Where is Wild Rosemary usually found?
Typically found in acidic peat bogs, fens, and wet heaths of subarctic and temperate regions.
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