How to identify Coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)

How to identify Coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)

Coastal rosemary is an evergreen shrub notable for its dense, bushy growth, typically reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) and spreading almost twice as wide. It has linear, dark gray-green leaves that resemble rosemary, and it produces small white flowers that bloom along its branches throughout the year in mild climates. The leaves' similarity to rosemary foliage is noteworthy, while the plant's stature allows it to form either a natural rounded shape or be sheared for a formal appearance. Coastal rosemary shows resilience in full sun and has drought-tolerant qualities, although occasional watering can enhance its color and density.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Coastal rosemary

Dense, bushy growth reaching 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in height.

Linear, dark gray-green leaves resembling rosemary foliage.

Small white flowers, 2 cm (0.8 inches) across, blooming along branches.

Flowers with brown spots, axillary, and bilabiate shape.

Leaves lanceolate, 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, arranged in whorls of four.

Detailed Traits of Coastal rosemary

Leaf Features

The leaves of coastal rosemary are lanceolate in shape, measuring approximately 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length. They are arranged in whorls of four along the stem. The upper leaf surface is glabrous to moderately hairy, while the lower surface and petiole are distinctly hairy. The leaves are dark green with an entire margin, contributing to their smooth, unlobed edges.

Leaf Arrangement

Whorled

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of coastal rosemary are white or purple, adorned with brown spots and measure approximately 2 cm (0.8 inches) across. They are axillary, resembling the shape of mint flowers. The petals are arranged to form a bilabiate (two-lipped) structure typical of the mint family. The blooms are about 2 cm (0.8 inches) in diameter, presenting a charming and distinct morphology. They bloom prolifically, adding a delicate and attractive appearance to the plant.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.