Herb Fact Sheet

Rosemary

Rosmarinus oficinalis

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Native habitat

  • Mediterranean and other parts of Europe
  • Introduced mainly in Southern England

Growing conditions

  • Light, dry, sandy soil
  • Sunny position

Maintenance

  • Protect young plants from frost
  • Gather flowering tips in spring and summer and hang in bunches to dry
  • Trim bush in the autumn

Parts used

  • Flowering tops
  • Leaves

Properties

  • Pungent scent
  • Moth repellent
  • Attracts bees

Uses

  • Culinary, cosmetic and medicinal
  • Flavours food, especially soups, stews, vegetables and grilled lamb
  • Used in jellies, jams, biscuits and cakes
  • A protection against clothes moths
  • Tonic for invalids; for depression, anxiety and nervous migraine
  • Antiseptic, used externally to heal wounds and mouth infections
  • To preserve teeth
  • As a cough cure
  • To soothe bruises, falls and sprains
  • To keep you young

History History: KS1 2a,b 4b, 6a,   KS2 2a,4a,b,  5c,  7, 9, 10

  • Name comes from the Latin ros-marinus (dew of the sea), which refers to its favourite habit by salty sea spray
  • A symbol of friendship and love
  • A wreath of rosemary was worn by brides as a sign of love and loyalty
  • Once used in religious ceremonies to ward of evil spirits
  • Pungent scent was believed to protect from disease and infection
  • Used as an alternative to incense
  • Ancient Greeks believed it improved memory
  • Greek students used to wear a wreath while sitting examinations
  • Introduced into Britain by Romans

 

Rosemary

Rosemary

 

Sprig of rosemary

Sprig of rosemary

 

Rosemary growing in pots.

Rosemary can be grown in pots.
Add grit to the compost to improve drainage

 

Rosemary and cheese scones

Rosemary and cheese scones

Activities D&T   KS1 & 2: 1a, b, c    2a,f  3a, b  4a, 5c

 

 

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