Plant Promotion: Northern Bog Rosemary

Andromeda polifolia

Northern Bog Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 15" tall. The leaves alternate along the stem, curl under and appear to be powdery white underneath. It produces small bulb-like pink flowers. 

The flowers are so-named because they are typically found in peat bogs across the state of Alaska. They prefer cold climates and are often found growing in clumps together. 

The term "rosemary" in the name may suggest to some the edible nature of the plant but this is only because of the leaf-like resemblance to common rosemary. Northern Bog Rosemary contains a grayanotoxin. If ingested, this poisonous plant causes respiratory problems, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

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