Agricultural Information:

Family: Labiatae (Lamiaceae)
Scientific name: Salvia Rosmarinus

Rosemary is an evergreen woody perennial from the Labaitae family whose leaves include essential oils. Rosemary is used as a spice for many cooked dishes and drinks, as well as perfume. Essential oils are produced from its leaves and used for many types of cosmetic products.

Historical Information:

The plant originates in the northern Mediterranean Basin – Greece, Italy, and France—thrives in a Mediterranean climate, but not in cold areas.

Halachic Information:

Tree or vegetable: Since rosemary is a woody perennial, it has the halachic status of a tree.

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting: annuals & grapevines): For the above reason, it does not require distancing from annuals or grapevines.

Orlah (waiting three years for fruit): While classified as a tree, since its leaves are used and not its botanical fruit, orlah laws do not apply to the leaves.

Terumot & ma’aserot (offerings & tithes): Since the leaves are eaten, terumot and ma’aserot should be separated from rosemary leaves with a blessing.

Blessing for fragrance: Borei atzei besamim (Creator of fragrant trees).

Kedushat shevi’it (Sabbatical year sanctity): Rosemary has kedushat shevi’it during shemitah since it imparts flavor.

Information about plants as they relate to torah and mitzvot has been generously provided by Mercaz Torah VeHa’aretz Institute.