Conradina canescens A. Gray

False Rosemary; Gray Rosemary

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Beach Rosemary is a native perennial shrub in the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is found in the southern third of Alabama. Beach Rosemary occurs on primary and secondary dunes, in xeric (dry) sandy pine or pine-scrub oak woods, and in sandhills. Beach Rosemary is a woody shrub reaching 4-5 feet in height. It has It has evergreen needle-like revolute (rolled under) leaves that are covered with short grey or white hairs (canescent). The leaves are opposite, but are clustered and appear to be whorled. The foliage of Beach Rosemary is aromatic, and releases terpenes that are allopathic (chemicals produced by a plant to suppress or kill other plants). Beach Rosemary produces two-lipped, zygomorphic flowers that are lavender or white with purple markings. Flowers can appear throughout the year, though there is a peak of flowering in the late spring. Beach Rosemary is an important component of beach mouse habitat, and the flowers are visited by many species of native bees. This species is drought-tolerant and requires no fertilizer. It makes an excellent landscape plant for dry sandy area with full sun. Beach Rosemary can be grown from seed, or rooted from softwood cuttings. Limbs attached to the plant that get covered with soil will also form roots. Many native plant nurseries and landscape businesses near the coast will have this species available. Beach Rosemary looks and smells like the European herb Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), and has been used as a substitute for that species in cooking.--A. Diamond

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Native Endangered-State

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