Bog Rosemary
Scientific name: Andromeda polifolia
Common Name: Bog Rosemary
Plant Family: Ericaceae (Heath, or Heather family)
Etymology: The leaves of A. polifolia are similar to the thin, leathery leaves of rosemary for which it is named. It also tends to inhabit the low-lying regions of bogs (2).
Traditional Uses
The upper leaves may be used for tea, fresh or dried (1).
Edible Parts
Aside from brewing tea, no parts of the plant should be eaten in large quantities as it contains andromedotoxin, a poison for humans.
Gathering and Using
Harvest only the tips of and/or the newest leaves.
Permaculture Functions and Considerations
Though the plant is notably toxic, the leaves may be brewed into a tea, and it also provides considerably good habitat for many species of birds. For permaculturists in low-lying bog areas, this may be a decent option to cultivate diversity and create habitat for native pollinators.
Habitat
Aptly named, Bog Rosemary grows in bogs, or fens (2).
How to Identify
A. polifolia is a shrub, meaning it will be woody with multiple stems growing from a central base. Typically, it will grow up to two feet tall. The leaves are simple, opposite, thin, smooth-margined blades which remain green throughout winter months. The bark of an adult specimen is typically smooth and thin, and appears brown in the winter. Most notably, the flowers are small and vary from pink to white. Additionally, they will occur singly on the end of twigs.
Wildlife Support
The inflorescence is pollinated by bumblebees, flies, butterflies and honey bees. The branches also supply desirable habitat for song and game birds including geese, ducks, sharp-tailed grouse, common snipe, red-winged blackbird, swamp sparrow and common yellow throat.
Additional Information
Bog Rosemary can be self- or insect-pollinated. In reaction to fire, the species will sprout quickly due to its base of rhizomes. Additionally, it may be confused for sheep laurel or bog laurel; however, Bog Rosemary has alternate leaves not opposite leaves.
Sources
- Moerman, Daniel E. Native American Food Plants: An Ethnobotanical Dictionary. Portland, Timber Press, 2010.
- https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/andromeda/polifolia/
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/andpol/all.html
- https://wildadirondacks.org/adirondack-shrubs-bog-rosemary-andromeda-polifolia.html