Oregano

Appearance

Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm long. The flowers are purple, 3–4 mm long, produced in erect spikes. It is sometimes called wild marjoram, and its close relative, ''O. majorana'', is known as sweet marjoram.

Oregano is related to the herb marjoram, sometimes being referred to as wild marjoram. Oregano has purple flowers and spade-shaped, olive-green leaves. It is a perennial, although it is grown as an annual in colder climates, as it often does not survive the winter.

Oregano is planted in early spring, the plants being spaced 30 cm apart in fairly dry soil, with full sun. Oregano will grow in a pH range between 6.0 and 9.0, with a preferred range between 6.0 and 8.0. It prefers a hot, relatively dry climate, but does well in other environments.

Naming

The word ''oregano'' is derived from Classical Greek, from which the Spanish ''orégano'', and Latin ''orīganum''.
This is a compound Greek term that consists of meaning "mountain", and meaning "brightness", thus, "brightness of the mountain".

Behavior

Oregano is related to the herb marjoram, sometimes being referred to as wild marjoram. Oregano has purple flowers and spade-shaped, olive-green leaves. It is a perennial, although it is grown as an annual in colder climates, as it often does not survive the winter.

Oregano is planted in early spring, the plants being spaced 30 cm apart in fairly dry soil, with full sun. Oregano will grow in a pH range between 6.0 and 9.0, with a preferred range between 6.0 and 8.0. It prefers a hot, relatively dry climate, but does well in other environments.