SafePlants

Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia)

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions a toxin, "andromedotoxin," that can be released from the plant.
• It's described as a low, creeping evergreen shrub, which might be appealing to pets.
• The leaves are leathery and needle-like, similar to rosemary spice.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions a toxin, "andromedotoxin," that can be released from the plant.
• It's described as a low, creeping evergreen shrub, which might be appealing to children.
• The leaves are leathery and needle-like, similar to rosemary spice.

Common Names

• Bog-rosemary
• Marsh Rosemary
• Marsh Andromeda
• Blue Bog Rosemary
• Downy Rosemary

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Andromeda polifolia
• Family: Ericaceae (Heather Family)
• Synonyms: The text notes that many andromedas have been re-classified under other names, such as leucothoe.
• Varieties: Andromeda polifolia 'Compacta', Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
• Found in boggy areas, marshy conditions, and wet acidic peaty ground.
• Abundant in lowland raised bogs but with scattered occurrences on upland peats, particularly in the center of Ireland.
• Cosmopolitan species, native to N. Europe, N. Asia and northern North America, hardy to zone 2.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial dwarf shrub or small evergreen sub-shrub.
• Low, creeping evergreen shrub.
• Scarcely reaches 40 cm high.
• Narrow, leathery leaves with white undersides.
• Hanging clusters of white to pink globular to urn-shaped flowers with white stalks.
• Pink, urn-shaped flowers in clusters of 2-6, which often face downwards.
• Round pink flowers.
• Erect to procumbent evergreen shrub having pendent clusters of white or pink flowers.
• Low, erect shrub up to 50 cm tall.

Ecological Role

• Often found in boggy areas in association with Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) and Sheep Laurel.
• Part of bog rosemary - sedge fen, a weakly minerotrophic fen community dominated by dwarf shrubs, Carex sedge species, and peat mosses.

Quirky Facts

• Bog Rosemary is named for its narrow, leathery leaves with white undersides, which resemble rosemary spice (Rosmarinus officinalis).
• The delicate pink bells and rosemary-like foliage never fail to enchant those lucky enough to find it during its brief flowering period.
• Bog Rosemary is related to Rhododendrons and Azaleas and should be cared for in the same way.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Dave's Garden
• Monrovia
• Oregon State University
• Wikipedia
• Wiktionary
• Noun Project
• Ontario Wildflowers
• Lowes.com