Mexican Oregano

Growth habit

Shrub

Perennation

Cultivated as annual

Native distribution

S. North America, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras

Biocultural value

Leaves have a strong oregano flavor and are a popular seasoning in Mexico and the American Southwest.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Description

Shrub to 2m, branches shortly pilose. Leaves to 6cm, elliptic to oblong or ovate-oblong, usually obtuse or rounded, densely and softly pilose above, glandular and densely tomentose or pilose beneath, finely crenate; petiole to 1cm. Inflorescence with 2-6 peduncles, to 12mm; bracts often in 4 rows, ovate to lanceolate, acute, densely pilose and glandular; calyx to 2mm, villous and glandular; corolla white, tube strigulose, to 3mm.

USDA Hardiness Zone

9

Special characteristics

food, tender perennial