This Endangered little shrub
(3-4' tall with a similar spread) is restricted to a few
scrubs along a 20-mile stretch of US-27 between Sun Ray
and Sebring in Polk and Highlands Counties. One of the
best places to see it is along the east side of the
highway just south of Sun Ray. Short-leaved rosemary is
in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and looks very much like
true rosemary (Rosmarinusofficinalis), the culinary herbalso in the mint family.Short-leaved rosemary is not
related to Florida rosemary (Ceratiolaericoides), a common plant
in scrubs throughout Florida in the obscure crowberry
family (Empetraceae). The foliage of short-leaved
rosemary has a "turpentiney" fragrance and the
delightful little flowers (about 1" high) look like
tiny birds. Short-leaved rosemary adapts well to
cultivation as long as light, sandy soil and full sun are
provided. It is available from
several native nurseries in central Florida.
This Endangered little shrub
(3-4' tall with a similar spread) is restricted to a few
scrubs along a 20-mile stretch of US-27 between Sun Ray
and Sebring in Polk and Highlands Counties. One of the
best places to see it is along the east side of the
highway just south of Sun Ray. Short-leaved rosemary is
in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and looks very much like
true rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), the culinary herb also in the mint family. Short-leaved rosemary is not
related to Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), a common plant
in scrubs throughout Florida in the obscure crowberry
family (Empetraceae). The foliage of short-leaved
rosemary has a "turpentiney" fragrance and the
delightful little flowers (about 1" high) look like
tiny birds. Short-leaved rosemary adapts well to
cultivation as long as light, sandy soil and full sun are
provided. It is available from
several native nurseries in central Florida.
