Virginia Tech Dendrology

bog rosemary Ericaceae Andromeda polifolia L. symbol: ANPO
Leaf: Alternate, simple, evergreen, narrowly lanceolate with distinctly rolled edges, 1 to 2 inches long, leathery, entire, dull dark green to blue-green above, nearly white below, point distinctly upwards.
Flower: Small (1/4 inch) white to pink urn-shaped flowers in small bunches hanging from short stems near the ends of twigs, appearing in late spring.
Fruit: Small (1/4 inch) round capsule, initially pale green to pink, later dry and brown.
Twig: Slender, pale green turning brown; buds small, ovate, nearly white.
Bark: Reddish brown, may become finely shreddy.
Form: Small, spreading shrub (up to 24 inches tall), few branches, stems typically leaning.
Looks like: Labrador tea - bog laurel

Additional Range Information: Andromeda polifolia is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: USDAFS FEIS Silvics - USDA Plants Database
All material 2025 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information