Wild Rosemary (Ledum palustre)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Ledum palustre is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

aromatic leaves. — A tea is made from the aromatic leaves.; Considered by some to be a better tea than that made from L.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; It would be better to brew the tea in cold water by leaving it in a sunny place, or to make sure that it is brewed for a short time only in an open container.

Habitat & North American Range

Possibly native to Britain in acid bogs near Bridge of Allan in Sterling and Perth. A rare escape elsewhere in Britain. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)