Cumberland rosemary

Conradina verticillata closely resembles culinary rosemary, but it is a species native to the southeastern United States and is increasingly threatened in the wild. Also known as Cumberland false rosemary, its few remaining populations in South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee are found in well-draned sand along stream banks and sandbars. Unfortunately, these are being trampled by hikers and nature lovers. Additional threats include development, mining and illegal collecting. Although federally listed, it is relatively easy to cultivate and a wonderful native plant for southern rock gardens, along with its natural companions, Chionathus, Itea, Marshallia grandiflora, Ropogon gerardii and Aster linarifolius.