Contents
Description
Andromeda Polifolia Var. Glaucophylla, also known as bog rosemary, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the heath family. It is native to North America and Europe and grows in wetland areas such as bogs, swamps, and marshes. The plant typically reaches a height of 1-2 feet and spreads out to a width of 2-4 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Andromeda |
Appearance
Bog rosemary has narrow, elongated leaves that are bluish-green in color and have a waxy coating. The leaves are arranged in whorls around the stem and are about 0.25-0.5 inches long. The plant produces small, pink or white flowers in the spring that are bell-shaped and hang down from the stem. The flowers are followed by small, round fruit that are about 0.25 inches in diameter and are brown in color.
Care Guide
Bog rosemary requires moist, acidic soil to thrive. It should be planted in an area that receives full to partial sun. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Fertilization is not necessary for bog rosemary. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 2-6.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bog rosemary is susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too wet. It may also be attacked by spider mites or aphids.
Habitat
Bog rosemary is native to wetland areas such as bogs, swamps, and marshes. It is often found growing in association with other bog plants such as sphagnum moss, pitcher plants, and sundews.
Question and Answer
Q: Is bog rosemary toxic to pets?
A: Yes, bog rosemary is toxic to pets if ingested.
Q: Can bog rosemary be grown in a container?
A: Yes, bog rosemary can be grown in a container as long as it is kept consistently moist.
Q: Does bog rosemary attract pollinators?
A: Yes, bog rosemary is a source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
Q: Does bog rosemary have any medicinal uses?
A: Yes, bog rosemary has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including rheumatism, sore throat, and coughs.
Related Plants
- Andromeda Polifolia
- Leucothoe Fontanesiana
- Kalmia Latifolia
- Rhododendron Maximum
References
- “Bog Rosemary.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ANPOG.
- “Andromeda Polifolia Var. Glaucophylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=Q190.
- “Andromeda Polifolia Var. Glaucophylla.” PlantFiles, https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1016/.
