WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants Searchable, categorized images

Oregano

Scientific name: Origanum vulgare
Taxonomy
Family:Lamiaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:2 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:June to August
Bloom Color:Purple
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Oregano, also called Marjoram, is a culinary herb that adds spice to salads, casseroles, soups, sauces, pizzas and poultry dishes. Outside it is used as a low spreader in the herb garden.

  Morphology:
Oregano is a bushy, woody shrub growing to 2’ in height with spreading stems and branches. Some cultivars grow in mound-like mats spreading by underground rhizomes, while others form more upright plants.

The aromatic leaves are fuzzy and oval-shaped. They attain a length of 1.5”.

Throughout the summer Oregano bears tiny purple tube-shaped flowers that are about 1/8” long. They form on leafy bracts that resemble little pinecones.

  Adaptation:
This is a drought-tolerant shrub that could be used for xeriscaping.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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