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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Origanum syriacum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The leaves and flowering tops are used as a seasoning, having a flavour reminiscent of a blend of thyme, marjoram and oregano[183]. The dried herb is sometimes mixed with sumac (from Rhus species) to form the spice blend known as 'zatar', this is used along with olive oil as a topping for breads[183]. The Bedouin grind the dried leaves, add salt and eat the dry mixture on bread[177, 183]. The leaves and flowering stems of this species are often dried and supplied commercially as 'oregano', a name that should more accurately be restricted to O. vulgare[238].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a rather dry, warm, well-drained soil, but is not fussy as to soil type, thriving on chalk[1]. Prefers slightly alkaline conditions[1]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow in a greenhouse in early spring at 10 - 13°c and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in March or October. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Basal cuttings of young barren shoots in June. Very easy. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Zaatar, Wild marjoram

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Cyprus, Egypt (Sinai), Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey (south)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Origanum compactum		Perennial	0.3	-		LMH	N	DM	1	0
Origanum dictamnus	Dittany Of Crete, Hop Marjoram	Perennial	0.2	7-9	M	LMH	N	DM	2	1
Origanum glandulosum		Perennial	0.0	-		LMH	N	DM	1	0
Origanum isthmicum		Perennial	0.0	-		LMH	SN	DM	1	0
Origanum majorana	Sweet Marjoram	Perennial	0.6	6-9	F	LMH	SN	DM	3	3	3
Origanum onites	Pot Marjoram	Perennial	0.3	7-10	F	LMH	SN	DM	3	1	2
Origanum virens		Perennial	1.0	-		LMH	SN	DM	1	0
Origanum vulgare	Oregano, Pot Marjoram	Perennial	0.6	4-10	M	LMH	SN	DM	4	3	5
Origanum vulgare hirtum	Greek Oregano	Perennial	0.6	4-8	M	LMH	SN	DM	4	3	3
Origanum x hybridum		Perennial	0.3	7-10		LMH	SN	DM	1	0
Origanum x majoricum	Hardy Marjoram	Perennial	0.6	6-9		LMH	SN	DM	2	2	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Origanum syriacum - L.