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Origanum vulgare
  • Oregano

a perennial member of the Origanum genus in the family Labiatae.

248px
Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Origanum vulgare has 0 edible uses listed
Origanum vulgare has 0 material uses listed
Origanum vulgare has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb[1][2][3]. Oregano is an important flavouring herb in Mediterranean cookery, and is often used dried rather than fresh[4]. The leaves are used as a flavouring for salad dressings, vegetables and legumes, and are frequently included in strongly flavoured dishes with chillies, garlic, onions etc[5][6][7][8][3][4]. A nutritional analysis is available[9]. Much of the commercially available dried oregano does not come from this plant but from a number of different, often unrelated plants[4]. These include Lippia graveolens, L. palmeri and Origanum syriacum[4]. A herb tea is made from the dried leaves and flowering stems[3][10][4].

Unknown part

Condiment
Tea

Leaves

Unknown use

Material uses

An essential oil from the plant is used as a food flavouring, in soaps and perfumery[11][12]. The herb contains 0.15 - 0.4% essential oil[9] and makes good herbal pillows and baths[13]. The plant was formerly used as a strewing herb[14]. The essential oil has also been used to kill lice, though some caution is advised since it can cause skin irritations[4].

A red or purple dye is obtained from the flowering tops[15][16][6][17], it is neither brilliant nor durable[11]. The plant repels ants[18]. The growing plant repels many insect pests so it is a good plant to grow in the vegetable area[14].

A useful ground cover for sunny positions, forming a slowly spreading clump[197, K]. Plants should be spaced about 30cm apart each way[19].

Unknown part

Dye
Essential
Parasiticide
Repellent
Strewing

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Oregano has been used as a culinary and medicinal herb for thousands of years. It has a beneficial effect upon the digestive and respiratory systems and is also used to promote menstruation[20]. It should not be used medicinally by pregnant women though it is perfectly safe in small amounts for culinary purposes[20].

The leaves and flowering stems are strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic[15][16][21][7][20]. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, mild feverish illnesses, indigestion, stomach upsets and painful menstruation[4]. It is strongly sedative and should not be taken in large doses, though mild teas have a soothing effect and aid restful sleep[13]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[4]. Externally, oregano is used to treat bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and muscular pain[4]. The plant can be used fresh or dried - harvest the whole plant (but not the roots) in late summer to dry and store for winter use[13]. Oregano is often used in the form of an essential oil that is distilled from the flowering plant[15]. A few drops of the essential oil, put on cotton wool and placed in the hollow of an aching tooth, frequently relieves the pain of toothache[15][10]. This plant is one of the best natural antiseptics because of its high thymol content[16].

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat the same kinds of complaints that the herb is used for[4].

Unknown part

Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Aromatherapy
Carminative
Cholagogue
Diaphoretic
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Odontalgic
Stimulant
Stomachic
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow 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.

The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring. 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Origanum vulgare. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a rather dry, warm, well-drained soil in full sun, but is not fussy as to soil type, thriving on chalk[22][8]. Prefers slightly alkaline conditions[23]. Tolerates poor soils[24]. Dislikes wet soils[25].

Hardy to about -20°c[26]. Oregano has a long history of culinary and medicinal use and is often cultivated in modern gardens as a culinary herb, there are some named varieties[3][26][4][13]. Plants growing near the sea have the most fragrance[16]. A good companion plant, improving the flavour of nearby plants[14]. The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies[1][27]. A good companion for the cucumber family[28], it is beneficial to all nearby plants[29]. The whole plant has a sweet yet slightly peppery aroma[30].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[31].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Origanum vulgare. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Origanum vulgare.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Origanum vulgare
Genus
Origanum
Family
Labiatae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Medicinal uses
[20][15][16][21][7][4][13][10]
Material uses & Functions
[11][12][9][13][14][4][15][16][6][17][18][19]
Botanic
[32][23]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Soil surface
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
0.6 x 0.75 meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Bees, Lepidoptera
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite

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"image:Illustration Origanum vulgare0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Origanum vulgare0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Illustration Origanum vulgare0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Illustration Origanum vulgare0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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References

  1. ? 1.01.11.2 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (1980-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  4. ? 4.004.014.024.034.044.054.064.074.084.094.104.114.124.13 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.3 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.2 Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8 ()
  9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-2624-6 (1993-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.111.2 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
  12. ? 12.012.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.213.313.413.5 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.114.214.3 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.415.5 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  16. ? 16.016.116.216.316.416.5 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.1 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
  18. ? 18.018.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  19. ? 19.019.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
  20. ? 20.020.120.220.3 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
  21. ? 21.021.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
  22. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  23. ? 23.023.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  24. ? Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden. ()
  25. ? Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
  26. ? 26.026.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
  27. ? Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan ISBN 0-330-26642-x (1982-00-00)
  28. ? Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
  29. ? Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
  30. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
  31. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
  32. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

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Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Origanum_vulgare&oldid=78972"
Facts about "Origanum vulgare"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyLabiatae +
Belongs to genusOriganum +
Functions asGround cover +
Has common nameOregano +
Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
Has edible partUnknown part + and Leaves +
Has edible useSeasoning +, Unknown use + and Tea +
Has environmental toleranceHigh wind +
Has fertility typeBee + and Lepidoptera +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has hardiness zone5 +
Has imageIllustration Origanum vulgare0.jpg +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useDye +, Essential +, Parasiticide +, Repellent + and Strewing +
Has mature height0.6 +
Has mature width0.75 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAntiseptic +, Antispasmodic +, Aromatherapy +, Carminative +, Cholagogue +, Diaphoretic +, Emmenagogue +, Expectorant +, Odontalgic +, Stimulant +, Stomachic + and Tonic +
Has primary imageIllustration Origanum vulgare0.jpg +
Has search nameoriganum vulgare + and x +
Has shade toleranceLight shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomy nameOriganum vulgare +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Tolerates windYes +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +