Conradina verticillata Play pronunciation

Cumberland rosemary is a small native flowering evergreen perennial shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). This plant is found near the Cumberland Plateau in the eastern portions of the States of Kentucky and Tennessee. It grows in sandy or gravelly stream banks in areas that experience seasonal flooding followed by somewhat dry summers. The shrubs grow 1 to 2 feet tall and equally as wide with a clumping or matting habit. The stems spread along the ground and can root at nodes. Its leaves are dark green, needle-like, and fragrant, and its flowers are pinkish-lavender. two-lipped with red spots. The genus name, Conradina, is in honor of an American botanist, Solomon White Conrad, from the 18th century. The specific epithet, verticillata, refers to the plant's flowers, which form a false whorl known as a verticillaster.

Prefers well-drained sandy and poorer soil in full sun but will tolerate some shade. The soil should be medium to dry, and once established, the plant is drought-tolerant. Propagated by seeds and will reseed itself in ideal conditions.

The fragrant leaves resemble culinary rosemary, and the fragrant lavender-pink flowers appear in May to June.

Unfortunately, this plant has been listed as threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It can not be sold in interstate commerce.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Has no serious insect or disease problems.