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Cultivated for over 5,000 years, the rosemary plants history is understandably steeped in legend, myth, and folklore. Rosemary herbal uses run the gamut of medicinal remedies, culinary delights or even as a love charm. Its really no wonder why its stimulating aroma and flavor have continued to enchant people for centuries.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been used medicinally dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans in 500 B. C. Dried sprigs of rosemary even showed up in Egyptian tombs from 3,000 B. C.
Both Pliny the Elder and Galen lived at the same time as Discorides. In his work De Materia Medica, which has been the standard for 1,400 years on how to use and identify medicinal herbs, Discorides also wrote about rosemary.
In the 13th century, the Spanish started growing rosemary. From the 15th century to the 18th, it was a popular way to season salted meats. To be more accurate, I think it was used less as a condiment and more to hide the smell and taste of rotting meat.
Rosmarinus comes from the Latin words for “dew” (ros) and “belonging to the sea” (marinus), which refers to the warm Mediterranean region where it was first found. The common name of rosemary is, of course, derived from the genus name but with a twist.
According to a story, Mary, the mother of Jesus, hid next to a rosemary bush as she ran away from Egypt. She threw her blue cape onto the bush and the white flowers turned blue. The flower has been called the “rose of Mary” for a long time because of this, even though it doesn’t look like a rose. Instead, it looks more like mint flowers, which is related to rosemary.
With its pine-like fragrance and delicate blue flowers, rosemary is a beloved herb in gardens and kitchens around the world But where does this iconic plant actually come from? Tracing the origins and history of rosemary reveals how this versatile herb journeyed across continents over thousands of years to earn its place as one of the most widely recognized and used herbs today
Native Origins and Habitat of Rosemary
The rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis) is native to the Mediterranean region originating in an area along the Mediterranean Sea spanning Portugal Spain, France, and Italy. Within this region, rosemary grows wild in the hillsides along the coastlines where conditions are ideal.
Rosemary thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. It evolved to survive in the hot, dry summers and mild winters characteristic of a Mediterranean climate. In the wild, rosemary can grow into a woody, perennial shrub reaching over 5 feet tall. Its needle-like evergreen leaves and light blue flowers flourish along sunny coastal hills.
Ancient History and Lore of Rosemary
With origins dating back thousands of years, rosemary has a long history of both culinary and symbolic use in Mediterranean cultures. Some key points in the ancient history of rosemary include:
- Used in Ancient Egypt as part of the embalming process as early as 5000 BCE
- Mentioned in ancient Greek texts, such as by scholars to improve memory
- Planted in Charlemagne’s royal gardens in the 9th century CE
- Used in folk rituals and myths, like weddings and funerals, across Mediterranean cultures
- Appears in Greek and Roman myths and literature over centuries
The name rosemary derives from the Latin “ros marinus” meaning “dew of the sea,” reflecting its close ties to the Mediterranean coastline. Revered by many cultures over thousands of years, rosemary accrued a rich lore and significance across the Mediterranean region.
Migration and Spread of Rosemary Across Europe
While rosemary originated in the Mediterranean. over time it spread beyond this region and became naturalized elsewhere in Europe
- Brought by Romans to Britain around 43 CE
- First recorded cultivation in England in the 14th century CE
- Introduction to Northern Europe by the 16th century CE
- Popular in culinary dishes, medicines, cosmetics by the 17th century
- Widely grown in herb gardens and farms by the 18th century
As trade, exploration, and empire building allowed greater exchange between the Mediterranean and northern Europe, rosemary followed these routes and expanded its reach. Although susceptible to frost, once established it can thrive in cooler climates.
Modern Use and Popularity of Rosemary
Today, rosemary is grown globally both for its culinary uses and ornamental merits:
- Extensively used herb for cooking meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables
- Added to perfumes and beauty products for its aromatic qualities
- Planted in gardens for its attractive flowers and fragrance
- Used medicinally in alternative and herbal medicine traditions
- Crafted into wreaths, garlands, topiaries, and other decorations
After centuries of legendary history intertwined with Mediterranean culture, rosemary now holds a beloved place worldwide as a versatile, easy-to-grow herb bringing fragrance, flavor, and beauty wherever it grows. The rich legacy of rosemary lives on, even far from its ancestral Mediterranean home, thanks to its timeless appeal and usefulness.
Additional Rosemary Plant History
Rosemary is associated with remembrance. Its earliest use was probably by Greek students. They put fragrant wreaths of the herb into their hair, which is where the other name for rosemary, “herb of crowns,” comes from. When I cut my rosemary, I do this: I stick the herb into my sweaty, tangled hair. I cant recall if it helps my memory, but it sure does improve my aroma.
The HISTORY of ROSEMARY – Where does rosemary come from?
FAQ
Where did rosemary originally come from?
Where is rosemary grown in the US?
Where does rosemary plant grow best?
Does rosemary grow naturally?
Where does Rosemary come from?
Rosemary is native to the dry, rocky areas of the Mediterranean, especially along the coast. The genus name Rosmarinus derives from the Latin words ros and marinus which together translate to “dew of the sea.” Rosemary has been used since the time of the early Greeks and Romans.
Is Rosemary a perennial?
If you live in Zones 7 and warmer, it grows easily as a perennial evergreen shrub that lives for many years. Rosemary is hardy down to 15 to 23°F (-10 to -5°C), so it may need winter protection. In colder areas, rosemary should be grown in a pot and brought indoors for the winter.
How long does Rosemary take to grow?
Clusters of small, light blue to white flowers appear in spring and summer. Plant rosemary in USDA zones 8 to 10 in the spring when temperatures stay between 55 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit or grow indoors as a houseplant. Rosemary has a moderate growth rate, reaching its mature size between 2 and 6 feet tall after several years.
Is Rosemary edible?
When growing rosemary as a culinary herb, it’s best to harvest in the spring and summer when it’s actively putting on new growth. Rosemary grows as a compact woody shrub. While all the leaves are technically edible, we usually only eat the tender leaves that form at the tips of new branches. Indoor Herb Garden: How to Get Started!
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