Mexican Oregano
Lippia origanoides
- Native to:
- Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuelan Antilles
iNaturalist: © lillybyrd (iNaturalist #198063415)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Verbenaceae
- Genus:
- Lippia
- Species:
- Lippia origanoides
- USDA Symbol:
- LIGR6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bazoch's hairstreak (Strymon bazochii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from rootstock after fire or cutting; adapted to dry tropical and subtropical savannas with periodic burning.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to dry, rocky areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions with light; cuttings are more commonly used for propagation.