Coastal rosemary

Westringia fruticosa (Willd.) Druce

Family: Lamiaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources (not a clearance). Detail: no human-hazard statement

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No ASPCA page for Westringia. The ASPCA Rosemary page (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a different plant and is not a verdict for this one. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Westringia fruticosa (Willd.) Druce (ANBG, Botanic Gardens of SA and Kew WCVP agree), not on the common name.. Not rosemary: ANBG says the name "rosemary" refers to the look of the plant only and the leaves lack the familiar rosemary aroma. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) but is a different plant from culinary rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). The ASPCA "Rosemary" page is for Rosmarinus officinalis, not this shrub.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: Full sun to part shade per Botanic Gardens of SA.
Water needs: low low is a plain-language reading of Botanic Gardens of SA ("minimal" supplementary watering; drought tolerant). ANBG adds that drought-hardy plants still need adequate water to avoid yellowing leaves and bare wood. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: ANBG: reaches at least 2 m high and 5 m across, either prostrate or several feet high depending on situation. Botanic Gardens of SA: height 1-2 m, spread 1-4 m.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon