Last Updated on May 22, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Do you love the smell of rosemary? If you do, then you’re in luck! There are a number of plants that look like rosemary and have a similar scent.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 plants that look like rosemary and their uses. We will also provide links to additional resources so that you can learn more about these plants. Thanks for reading!
What does a rosemary plant look like?
A rosemary plant can vary in appearance depending on the variety, but they all have narrow, linear leaves and small blue, purple, or white flowers. They are native to the Mediterranean region and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to four feet tall and wide.
What plants are related to rosemary?
Rosemary is a member of the mint family, which includes other herbs such as basil, oregano, and sage. Like other members of the mint family, rosemary has square stems and opposite leaves. The leaves are evergreen and fragrant, and the flowers are small and white.
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region, and is believed to have originated in Greece. It has been used medicinally since ancient times, and is still used today in traditional medicine. Rosemary is also used as a culinary herb, and is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
How do I identify a rosemary plant?
There are a few things to look for when trying to identify a rosemary plant. First, look for the presence of small, blue flowers. Rosemary plants typically have these flowers blooming all along their stems.
Second, take a sniff! The unmistakable scent of rosemary should be present if you’ve found a true rosemary plant.
Finally, check the leaves. Rosemary leaves are needle-like and usually a dark green color. If you see all of these characteristics present, then you’ve likely found a rosemary plant!
How can you tell rosemary from thyme?
The answer is simple: rosemary has a more intense flavor than thyme. This is because rosemary is a member of the mint family, while thyme is not. As such, rosemary contains more volatile oils than thyme does. These oils give rosemary its characteristic pungent flavor.
Plants That Look Like Rosemary and Their Uses
1. American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides).
This plant is a member of the mint family and can be found in woods, fields, and along roadsides from Connecticut to North Carolina west to Texas and Oklahoma. It is a small perennial herb with blue or violet flowers that blooms in late summer.
The leaves are opposite, simple, and egg-shaped with serrated margins. American Pennyroyal can be distinguished from other members of the mint family by its square stem.
The plant gets its name from the Latin word for fleabane, pulicaria, because it was once used as a flea repellent. American Pennyroyal essential oil should not be taken internally and is only meant for topical use or aromatherapy.
2. Canadian Horseweed (Conyza canadensis).
Canadian horseweed is a plant that looks like rosemary and has many uses. The leaves of Canadian horseweed are used to make a tea that is effective in treating colds, flu, and fevers. The tea can also be used as a gargle for sore throats.
Canadian horseweed is also effective in treating indigestion and stomachaches. The leaves of Canadian horseweed can also be used as a poultice for wounds and bruises.
Canadian horseweed is an excellent plant to have in your garden if you are looking for a plant that has many uses.
3. Curry Plant (Helichrysum Italicum).
This perennial evergreen shrub is native to the Mediterranean and often used as a culinary herb. The leaves have a strong curry scent and flavor and can be used fresh or dried.
The plant grows to about two feet tall and has small, yellow flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Curry Plant (Helichrysum Italicum) can be used in many dishes, including curries, soups, stews, and sauces. It is also a good addition to dry rubs and spice mixes. The leaves can be used fresh or dried and are often added just before serving.
4. Dog Fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium).
This plant is a member of the aster family, and it is closely related to boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) and Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum). It grows in open woods, fields, and roadsides throughout the eastern United States.
The plant gets its name from its fern-like leaves, which are said to resemble those of a dog. The leaves of the plant are used to make a tea that is said to be helpful in treating colds and flu.
The tea can also be used as a compress for wounds and bruises. Dog fennel is also said to have insect-repellent properties, and it can be used to make a natural insecticide.
Dog fennel is a tall, erect plant that can grow up to six feet in height. The leaves of the plant are alternate, and they are lance-shaped with serrated margins. The leaves are covered with small hairs, and they have a strong odor when they are crushed.
5. Lavender (Lavender Angustifolia).
This flowering plant is from the mint family and can be found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It has been used for centuries in herbalism and aromatherapy.
The plant’s flowers and oil are used to make lavender tea, which is thought to have calming effects. Lavender is also used in potpourris and sachets.
Related: 9 Beautiful Plants That Look Like Lavender But Aren’t (With Pictures)
6. Narrowleaf Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium).
This plant is also known as American White Pond-lily, Flat-topped White Aster, and Smooth Blue aster. It is a perennial herb that grows up to two feet tall and blooms from July to September.
The flowers are white with purple or blue centers. The leaves are lance-shaped and mint-scented.
The plant is native to North America and can be found in woods, meadows, and wet areas.
Narrowleaf Mountain Mint can be used fresh or dried in teas, potpourris, sachets, and herbal baths. It is said to have calming properties and can be helpful in relieving stress and tension headaches.
The plant can also be used in culinary dishes. Try adding a few leaves to your next batch of homemade pesto or use them to flavor roasted potatoes.
7. Rough False Pennyroyal (Hedeoma hispida).
This perennial herb is a member of the mint family. It can be found in the eastern United States and Canada. The plant has small, white flowers that bloom in summer.
The leaves are opposite each other on the stem and are hairy. The plant gets its name from its resemblance to true pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).
Rough false pennyroyal is used in folk medicine as a tea to treat colds, flu, and stomach problems. The plant is also said to repel insects. Caution should be used when consuming this plant, as it can be toxic in large amounts.
8. Russian Sage (Perovskia Atriplicifolia).
This plant is a member of the mint family, and it has a very similar appearance to rosemary. The leaves are small and needle-like, and the flowers are blue or purple. This plant is native to Russia and Central Asia, but it can now be found in many parts of the world.
Russian sage is often used as an ornamental plant, but it also has some medicinal properties. The leaves can be used to make a tea that is said to help with stomach problems and the flowers can be used in potpourri.
Russian sage is a beautiful plant that is easy to care for. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it does not need much water. This plant is also quite tolerant of drought and heat, so it is a good choice for gardens in dry climates. Russian sage can be propagated from seed or cuttings, and it will often self-seed in the garden.
Related: 26 Types of Sage Plants for Your Garden: From Culinary to Medicinal Uses
9. Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata).
This desert shrub is common in the western US and can grow up to four feet tall. The leaves are silver-green and have a strong, pungent aroma. Sagebrush is used for culinary, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes.
The plant is also known as common sagebrush, great basin sagebrush, or simply sage. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is in the Artemisia genus.
Sagebrush has a long history of use by Native Americans. The leaves were used to make a tea that was thought to be helpful for colds, coughs, and indigestion. The plant was also burned as a smudge or incense.
Sagebrush is still used today in a variety of ways. The leaves can be used to make tea, and the plant is sometimes added to smoked meats or used as a flavoring in beer brewing. Sagebrush is also used in some traditional Native American ceremonies.
10. Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum).
This perennial herb is native to the eastern United States and Canada. The plant grows to a height of 24-36 inches and has white or lavender flowers that bloom in July and August.
The leaves of the Virginia Mountain Mint are similar in appearance to those of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).
The Virginia Mountain Mint is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and has a strong, minty smell. The leaves can be used to make a tea that is said to have medicinal properties. The tea is used to treat colds, flu, and stomach problems. The Virginia Mountain Mint is also a popular ingredient in potpourris and sachets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many plants that look like rosemary. Some of these plants have similar uses to rosemary, while others have different uses. If you are looking for a plant that looks like rosemary, be sure to do your research so that you can find the right plant for your needs. Thanks for reading!