Plants That Look Like Rosemary

Have you ever spotted a plant with those familiar, fragrant needle-like leaves and thought, “Is that rosemary?” You’re not alone. Many plants look like rosemary, sharing its aromatic, needle-like foliage. This can be confusing for gardeners and cooks alike. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right plant for your garden or kitchen.

Several herbs and shrubs mimic rosemary’s appearance. They often thrive in similar sunny, well-drained conditions. Let’s look at the most common ones, so you can identify them with confidence.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is perhaps the most frequent doppelgänger. Its gray-green, narrow leaves are very similar to some rosemary varieties, especially when young.

Key Differences: Lavender leaves are often softer and have a more grayish hue. The scent is floral and sweet, not piney.
Growth Habit: Forms a rounded, bushy mound.
Flowers: Produces iconic purple, pink, or white flower spikes, which are very different from rosemary’s small blue flowers.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

This perennial is a stunning lookalike from a distance. Its finely dissected, silvery-gray leaves and woody stems create a similar effect.

Key Differences: Leaves are more lacy and feathery compared to rosemary’s stiffer needles. The scent is sage-like, not resinous.
Growth Habit: Taller and more airy, often reaching 3-4 feet.
Flowers: Lavender-blue flower spikes that bloom in late summer.

Curry Plant (Helichrysum italicum)

Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not used in curry powder. But its silvery, needle-like foliage is a dead ringer for some rosemary cultivars.

Key Differences: The leaves are a brighter silver and feel more fuzzy or woolly. The fragrance is strongly of curry spice.
Growth Habit: Forms a neat, low-growing shrub.
Flowers: Produces small, bright yellow button-like flowers.

Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum)

This shrub’s green stems have very few leaves, which can look like leafless rosemary stems. The small leaves it does have are simple and narrow.

Key Differences: It’s much taller (up to 10 feet) and more open in structure. It lacks the strong fragrance of rosemary leaves.
Growth Habit: Erect, green-stemmed shrub.
Flowers: Covered in profuse, fragrant yellow pea-flowers in spring.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Seedlings

Young seedlings of this juniper can be surprisingly confusing. Their juvenile foliage consists of sharp, prickly needles.

Key Differences: The needles are extremely sharp and painful to touch, unlike rosemary. The scent is classic juniper (like gin).
Growth Habit: Will quickly grow into a large tree, not a garden herb.

How to Tell Them Apart: A Simple Guide

Use your senses. A quick check can save you from planting—or tasting—the wrong herb.

Step 1: The Crush Test

Gently crush a leaf or needle between your fingers. This is the most reliable method.

Rosemary: Releases a strong, clean, piney scent with a hint of camphor.
Lavender: Sweet, floral perfume.
Curry Plant: Pungent aroma of curry powder.
Russian Sage: Mild, sage-like fragrance.

Step 2: Look at the Stems and Growth

Examine the plant’s overall shape and stem texture.

Rosemary stems become woody, brown, and gnarled with age.
Lavender stems stay more slender and may remain greenish-gray.
Russian Sage has square, white stems that are easily visible.
Curry Plant stems are also woody but often covered in dense, silver fuzz.

Step 3: Check the Leaf Texture

Feel the leaf carefully. Rosemary needles are typically stiff, leathery, and smooth on top with a white underside. Lavender is softer and more velvety. Curry plant is distinctly fuzzy. Russian sage is finely divided, almost like tiny threads.

Why Does This Confusion Happen?

These plants aren’t trying to trick you. They share similar traits because they evolved in comparable environments. Many are native to the Mediterranean region. They developed needle-like leaves to reduce water loss in hot, dry climates. This is called convergent evolution. Their fragrant oils also help protect them from pests and grazing animals.

Choosing the Right Plant for Your Garden

If you want a true culinary herb, you need proper rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). But the lookalikes have their own beauty and uses.

For Cooking: Only true rosemary is ideal for roasts, breads, and sauces.
For Fragrance: Lavender is perfect for sachets and potpourri. Rosemary’s scent is more invigorating.
For Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: All of these plants excel. Russian sage and lavender offer spectacular summer color.
For Low Hedging: Upright rosemary varieties like ‘Tuscan Blue’ or lavender hedges work well.

Caring for Rosemary and Its Lookalikes

Good care starts with understanding their needs. They all demand excellent drainage. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill them.

Sunlight: Provide full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily.
Soil: Use gritty, sandy, well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay with plenty of coarse sand or gravel.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid cutting into old, non-productive wood on rosemary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Overwatering: Soggy soil causes root rot. When in doubt, wait to water.
Poor Drainage: Planting in a hole without amending heavy soil is a common mistake.
Not Enough Sun: Plants become leggy, weak, and less fragrant.
Misidentification in the Kitchen: Always do the crush test before harvesting for cooking. Some lookalikes are not edible or taste unpleasant.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What plant has leaves like rosemary but isn’t?

Lavender and Russian sage are the top candidates. The curry plant is another close match, especially in leaf color and shape.

Is there a poisonous plant that resembles rosemary?

While not highly poisonous, Spanish broom is not for culinary use and can cause digestive upset. The main risk is misidentifying a non-edible ornamental as edible rosemary. Always confirm identity before consuming any plant.

What herb is similar to rosemary in cooking?

In terms of a robust, woody flavor, thyme is the best substitute in recipes. It won’t look the same, but it can provide a similar savory depth. Marjoram or savory can also work in some dishes.

How can I be sure I bought real rosemary?

Buy from a reputable nursery or garden center. Labels should read Rosmarinus officinalis. Perform the crush test for the distinctive pine-citrus scent. Look for the classic needle shape: dark green on top, white beneath.

Spotting the differences between plants that look like rosemary gets easier with practice. Pay attention to scent, texture, and growth habit. Your garden—and your recipes—will benefit from knowing exactly which fragrant, needle-leaved plant you have. Next time you see a familiar-looking shrub, you’ll know just what to look for.