Rosemary, (Rosmarinus officinalis), small evergreen plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) whose leaves are used to flavour foods. Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary has naturalized throughout much of Europe and is widely grown in gardens in warm climates. The leaves have a pungent, slightly bitter taste and are generally used sparingly, dried or fresh, to season foods, particularly lamb, duck, chicken, sausages, seafood, stuffings, stews, soups, potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, other vegetables, and beverages. Rosemary is a perennial shrub and usually grows to about 1 metre (3.3 feet) in height, though some plants can reach up to 2 metres.