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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Origanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

The dried leaves are used as a condiment[61, 177].

References More on Edible Uses

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Leaves (Dry weight)

306 Calories per 100g
Water : 7.2%
Protein: 11g; Fat: 10.2g; Carbohydrate: 64.4g; Fibre: 15g; Ash: 7.2g;
Minerals - Calcium: 1576mg; Phosphorus: 200mg; Iron: 44mg; Magnesium: 270mg; Sodium: 15mg; Potassium: 1669mg; Zinc: 4.4mg;
Vitamins - A: 6903mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.34mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 6.2mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;
Reference: [ 218]
Notes:

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

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a rather dry, warm, well-drained soil, but is not fussy as to soil type, thriving on chalk[1]. Prefers slightly alkaline conditions[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

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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

Native Range

EUROPE: Spain (south) AFRICA: Morocco (north)

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		LMH	SN	DM	3	3	3
Origanum onites	Pot Marjoram	Perennial	0.3	7-10		LMH	SN	DM	3	1	2
Origanum syriacum	Bible Hyssop	Perennial	1.0	7-10		LMH	SN	DM	2	0	0
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		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 - Benth.