Rosemary is a fragrant, evergreen shrub belonging to the mint family, characterized by its needle-like leaves and small, blue, pink, or white flowers. It's a hardy perennial herb that can grow up to 6.5 feet tall, with woody stems and a distinct, pine-like aroma.
Here's a more detailed description:
Leaves:
- Needle-like and slightly leathery.
- Dark green on the upper surface and a whitish, woolly underside due to short, white hairs.
- Contain essential oils that contribute to its characteristic scent.
Flowers:
- Small, blue, pink, or white.
- Two-lipped and whorled around the square stems.
- Borne in axillary clusters, attracting bees.
Stems:
- Woody and angular, often square-shaped.
- Branches rigid with fissured bark.
Overall:
- Erect, bushy growth habit.
- Aromatic and often used in cooking and for its potential health benefits.
- Native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated worldwide.