Origanum vulgare Play pronunciation

Oregano is a woody, branching, herbaceous perennial with a bushy habit in the mint family native to Europe and Asia. At maturity, it can reach a height of 3 feet with a 2 foot spread. Oregano is valued for its leaves that are used for flavoring in tomato dishes, meat, poultry, and pork stuffings; vegetables, and sauces. Flowers have a pungent, spicy flavor, but are milder than the leaves. The flowers attract a tremendous number of visitors and pollinators.The genus name comes from the Greek words oros meaning "mountain" and gamos meaning "beauty" in reference to the physical appearance of this plant. The species name is from the Latin vulgaris meaning common.

Oregano does best in average soil including sandy loams, dry to medium moisture with good drainage, and planted in a site with full sun. Some varieties of Oregano have golden or variegated leaves and these plants seem to do better with some shade at the heat of the day. In general, Oregano plants tolerate heat and drought.

Many cultivars of Oregano are available, many with a specific culinary or ornamental use. Some plants produce flavorful leaves with a strong aroma. Others are grown as ornamental plants.  

To induce the growth of new leaves (and keep the plant tidy), shear plants back regularly before flowering. Clip leaves fresh as needed or keep them dried for year-round use. In general, the best leaf flavor occurs just prior to flowering. Some home kitchens propagate new plants from cuttings of plants known to have superior aroma or taste rather than grow new plants from seed.

Oregano has also been found to repel ants and other insect pests. It can also be grown as a ground cover for sunny sites, forming a slowly spreading clump.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Root rot can occur in wet, poorly drained soils. Susceptible to fungal diseases, aphids, leaf miners and spider mites.

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Origanum.