There are six species of Rosmarinus, a member of the Lamiaceae family.

Rosmarinus officinalis is drought tolerant once established. It will grow in Zones 6-9 and is grown worldwide for culinary use. It is a Mediterranean native, with blunt-tipped, opposite, green, simple leaves. The herb ROSEMARY, is an evergreen shrub that grows to 2' high by 4' wide and produces violet flowers in spring and summer. It can be grown from seed or cutting and is said to prefer well-drained soil but is tolerant of soil with a bit of clay. In my garden this plant has migrated from its original location, spreading by positioning an outward branch close to the ground where it will root, enabling the parent plant to expand its reach. It will reach for sunlight - which it prefers. I have it placed along a path where brushing up against it projects a pleasant aroma into the surrounding air.

Rosmarinus officinalis appeals to two butterflies: Agraulis vanillae, Gulf Fritillary and Amblyscirtes elissa, Elissa Roadside-Skipper.