Cumberland rosemary is a small native flowering evergreen perennial shrub that grows in sandy or gravelly stream banks in areas that experience seasonal flooding followed by somewhat dry summers. The shrubs grow 1 to 2 feet tall and equally as wide with a clumping or matting habit. The stems spread along the ground and can root at nodes. Its leaves are dark green, needle-like, and fragrant, and its flowers are pinkish-lavender. two-lipped with red spots.

Prefers well-drained sandy and poorer soil in full sun but will tolerate some shade. The soil should be medium to dry, and once established, the plant is drought-tolerant. Propagated by seeds and will reseed itself in ideal conditions.

The fragrant leaves resemble culinary rosemary, and the fragrant lavender-pink flowers appear in May to June.

This plant is listed as threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.