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(Limonium californicum)
Western Marsh Rosemary (Limonium californicum)
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Ken-ichi Ueda
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Ken-ichi Ueda
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ken-ichi Ueda | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Ken-ichi Ueda | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-03T15:01:53-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Limonium californicum, commonly known as Western Marsh Rosemary, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to coastal salt marshes and alkaline soils in the California, Oregon, and Baja California, Mexico. It is part of the Plumbaginaceae family and is not related to culinary rosemary. Typically, it grows to a height of 1-1.5 feet (30-45 centimeters) with a similar spread. Western Marsh Rosemary has thick, leathery, oval leaves that form a basal rosette around the stem, and can be up to 30 centimeters long including the petioles. Its stiff, branching panicle reaches no more than 35 centimeters tall and bears large clusters of flowers with brownish-white ribbed sepals and lavender to nearly white petals. The flowers bloom from July to September and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Western Marsh Rosemary is valued for its tolerance to salt and its ability to thrive in coastal conditions, making it a suitable choice for seaside gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas where its drought resistance and low maintenance are beneficial. It requires full sun, medium amounts of water, and well-drained soils, preferably with some salinity. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. This plant is also appreciated for its use in dried flower arrangements due to the long-lasting quality of its blooms.CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Marsh Rosemary is valued for its tolerance to salt and its ability to thrive in coastal conditions, making it a suitable choice for seaside gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas where its drought resistance and low maintenance are beneficial. It requires full sun, medium amounts of water, and well-drained soils, preferably with some salinity. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. This plant is also appreciated for its use in dried flower arrangements due to the long-lasting quality of its blooms.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-0.8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Fall, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to coastal salt marshes and alkaline soils in the California, Oregon, and Baja California, Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: California Sea Lavender, California Sealavender, Marsh Rosemary, Marsh-Rosemary
Scientific Names: , Limonium californicum, Limonium commune var. californicum, Limonium commune subsp. californicum, Limonium californicum var. mexicanum, Limonium mexicanum, Limonium californicum var. californicum, Limonium commune var. mexicanum, Statice californica, Statice limonium var. californica,
GBIF Accepted Name: Limonium californicum (Boiss.) A.Heller