Oregano
Origanum vulgare
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., China, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Krym, Madeira, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Svalbard, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Ivar Leidus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Origanum
- Species:
- Origanum vulgare
- USDA Symbol:
- ORVU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), Confusing bumble (Bombus perplexus), Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), Tri-colored bumble (Bombus ternarius), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from rootstock after fire; adapted to Mediterranean fire regimes.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, moderately fertile loam
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers sunny locations with good air circulation
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Germinates best at 65-70°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.