Read by Michael Flamel

 

I can’t honestly say whether my father told me the massive rosemary bush on our front porch was related to the pine trees up in the Sierra Nevadas—or whether my kid brain just made the leap all on its own. After all, both had a strong, sharp scent. Both were tall and sturdy. And both played starring roles in my childhood.

We had a small cabin tucked near Donner Lake, surrounded by ponderosa pines that reached toward the sky like green rocket ships. And we had one very large rosemary bush in a 20-gallon ceramic container on our porch back home, trimmed, tamed, and—to my childhood eyes—somehow kindred to the forest trees.

Later, I learned (with some mild devastation) that rosemary and pine trees are about as closely related as I am to a turnip. But even now, I can’t pass the rosemary on my front steps without brushing my hand through its fragrant needles and being instantly transported to that mountain cabin. The scent always brings the mountains back.

And every holiday season, just like my parents used to do, I string that rosemary plant with tiny Christmas lights. So… you see how I got confused, right?

Rosemary vs. Pine Trees: Not Even Distant Cousins

Let’s clear the air (aromatic though it may be):

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a woody, perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae).
• Pine trees belong to the Pinaceae family and are coniferous evergreens—true trees, complete with cones, sap, and needles that don’t belong anywhere near your roasted potatoes.

While both emit resiny, invigorating scents and have similar needle-like leaves, their similarities are purely superficial. Rosemary thrives in the sun-soaked soils of the Mediterranean, whereas pine trees tower in forested mountains, sipping snowmelt.

A World of Rosemary: Varieties and Origins

Rosemary has been cultivated for thousands of years, favored by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. It was once believed to ward off evil spirits, improve memory, and act as a symbol of fidelity (hence the sprigs tucked into wedding bouquets and crowns of yore).

It came to the Americas via European colonists and, like so many Mediterranean herbs, adapted beautifully to warm, dry climates.

Popular varieties include:

• Tuscan Blue – Upright and aromatic, great for hedges or large containers
• Prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) – Spills over walls or containers in a fragrant cascade
• Arp – One of the most cold-hardy types, perfect for gardeners who face a real Winter
• Blue Spires – Beautiful with lavender-blue blooms, ideal for ornamental use and bees

Growing Rosemary: From Porch Pot to Garden Plot

Rosemary is remarkably adaptable. Here’s where and how to grow it:

• In Containers: Choose a large, well-draining pot .(10 gallons or more is ideal.) Place it in full sun and rotate the plant occasionally to encourage even growth. Water when the soil feels dry 1 inch down—rosemary hates soggy roots.
• In Raised Beds: Mix sandy soil with compost and mulch lightly. Keep the bed in a sunny spot—rosemary loves warmth and airflow.
• In Open Ground: If you’re in zones 8–10, rosemary makes a lovely evergreen shrub. Just make sure your soil drains well, and plant with enough space for it to stretch out—some varieties grow to 5-feet tall and wide!

Pro tip: Prune after flowering to keep it bushy and productive.

Rosemary in the Kitchen (and the Medicine Cabinet)

Culinary-wise, rosemary is the herb to have on hand for:

• Roasted potatoes and root vegetables
• Lamb, chicken, and fish
• Focaccia, infused oils, and even shortbread cookies
• Homemade teas and cocktails (Try a rosemary sprig in gin & tonic!)

Rosemary has been linked to improved concentration, anti-inflammatory benefits, and even antioxidant properties. Some say it’s good for hair growth, though no amount of rosemary rinse is likely to reverse decades of hat-wearing or receding hairlines. (Ask me how I know.)

Fun Facts to Impress Your Garden Guests

• In the language of flowers, rosemary symbolizes remembrance.
• Shakespeare’s Ophelia famously said, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.”
• Rosemary topiaries are popular holiday gifts (probably because they do look a little like mini-Christmas trees).
• Bees adore rosemary flowers, making it a great plant for pollinator gardens.
• In ancient Greece, students wore rosemary garlands during exams to improve memory. (Sadly, no scientific study supports cramming with rosemary.)

Still Curious?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could grow a 6-foot rosemary hedge or infuse a roast chicken with garden-fresh flavor, we’ve got you covered! Check out our Complete Rosemary Gardening Guide for:

• Pro growing tips
• Troubleshooting tricks
• Gorgeous container ideas
• And our favorite rosemary recipes (rosemary garlic bread, anyone?)

So, while my childhood rosemary bush wasn’t technically a pine tree, it certainly held a place of pine-like reverence in our home. And with Christmas lights twinkling from its branches, it’s no wonder I thought it belonged in the forest. Thankfully, it turns out rosemary is right at home anywhere you grow it—with love, light, and just a touch of nostalgia. ❖