Native Plants

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Cressler, Alan

Ceratiola ericoides

Ceratiola ericoides Michx.

Sand-heath, Sandhill-rosemary, Florida-rosemary

Empetraceae (Crowberry Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: ceer3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Rounded shrub with many erect branches.
Leaves: 1/2�, needle-like, thick, with curled-under edges; seem whorled.

Sand-heath provides cover and nesting habitat for various types of birds, including the Florida Scrub-Jay, which is on the U.S. Endangered Species List as a threatened species. Although often called rosemary, this plant is not the culinary herb (Rosmarinus officinalis), although it does resemble it.

From the Image Gallery

8 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Whorled
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Notes: To 6-8 feet in height.
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft. , 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Brown
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Bronze flowers, sporadic throughout the rest of the year with rain.

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , MS , SC
Canada: NS
Native Distribution: Coastal plain from South Carolina to Florida and as far west as Mississippi.
Native Habitat: Sandhills, scrub, dunes; pine and mixed woodlands.

Benefit

Fragrant Foliage: yes

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Native ground cover to replace grass in Florida.
February 04, 2008
Where can I find a list of ground covers to replace my grass. I live in the south of Ocala Florida.
view the full question and answer

Bibliography

Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. Wasowski

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Ceratiola ericoides in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Ceratiola ericoides in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ceratiola ericoides

Metadata

Record Modified: 2014-08-28
Research By: TWC Staff

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