Ledum palustre Wild rosemary (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Ledum palustre
Wild rosemary
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Ledum palustre plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wild rosemary.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ledum palustre
Common Name:  Wild rosemary
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Plants contain a narcotic toxin called Ledel. This toxin only causes problems if the leaves are cooked for a long period in a closed container[172].

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Possibly native to Britain in bogs near Bridge of Allan in Sterling and Perth. A rare escape elsewhere in Britain[17].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a lime-free loam or peaty soil[1, 11]. Prefers a moist humus-rich acid soil in shade or semi-shade[200]. Plants flower more freely when grown in a sunny position. Plants grow better if they have certain fungal associations in the soil. The best way of providing this is to incorporate some soil from around well-growing established plants into the soil for the new plant[200]. Hardy to at least -15°c[200]. The leaves are very aromatic[182]. When crushed, they smell strongly of hops[232]. Plants benefit from removing the dead flowers before they set seed[188]. This prevents them putting too much energy into seed production at the expense of more flowers and leaves. A good bee plant[4]. The flowers contain an oil that smells strongly of antiseptic[232].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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