Rosemary belongs to the scientific plant family known as Lamiaceae, which is commonly referred to as the mint family. This classification highlights a fundamental biological relationship between rosemary and other well-known aromatic herbs, placing them under the same botanical umbrella. While the common name focuses on the mint genus, Lamiaceae encompasses all plants sharing the family’s defining characteristics.
Rosemary’s Official Botanical Classification
Rosemary’s formal placement within the Lamiaceae family recently led to an adjustment in its scientific name. For centuries, the plant was known as Rosmarinus officinalis, with Rosmarinus being its distinct genus. However, genetic analysis performed over the last two decades revealed a closer evolutionary relationship to the Salvia genus, which contains various species of sage.
Based on these DNA findings, botanists officially reclassified rosemary in 2017, moving it into the Salvia genus. The plant is now scientifically known as Salvia rosmarinus. This change maintains the species-specific name while correcting its genus placement. This reclassification means that rosemary is technically a type of sage, though it still maintains its common name and remains firmly positioned within the mint family, Lamiaceae.
Shared Traits Defining the Mint Family
Plants within the Lamiaceae family share several distinct physical and chemical characteristics. One reliable feature of many mint family members is the structure of their stems, which are typically square in cross-section. This four-sided stem is a physical identifier for many herbs in this group, including rosemary.
Another common trait is the arrangement of leaves, which are usually simple and grow in opposite pairs along the stem. Many Lamiaceae plants also produce flowers with a characteristic two-lipped structure, often described as bilabiate.
The most noticeable shared characteristic is the presence of volatile oils, which give these plants their signature strong scent and flavor. These aromatic compounds are stored in specialized glandular hairs on the leaves and stems. This shared chemical profile makes Lamiaceae important for culinary herbs, as the oils are responsible for rosemary’s piney scent and mint’s cooling sensation.
Other Familiar Herbs in the Lamiaceae Family
The Lamiaceae family is extensive, containing many popular and recognizable culinary herbs used globally. Mint itself, including peppermint and spearmint, is a genus within this family.
Basil is another close relative of rosemary. Other aromatic herbs that belong to the mint family include oregano, marjoram, lavender, and thyme. This common classification demonstrates that many herbs found in a spice rack are interconnected through a shared evolutionary history.