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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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Whorled
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Notes: To 6-8 feet in height.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , BrownBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Bronze flowers, sporadic throughout the rest of the year with rain.
Distribution
USA: AL , FL , GA , MS , SCCanada: 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: yesMr. 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. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Ceratiola ericoides in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ceratiola ericoides in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ceratiola ericoides
Metadata
Record Modified: 2014-08-28Research By: TWC Staff