Oregano and Marjoram: 
An Herb Society of America Guide to the Genus Origanum

Origanum vulgare

Origanum vulgare subsp. gracile

Synonyms: O. heracleoticum Auct. (synonym for O. vulgare subsp. hirtum), O. heraclioticum L. (synonym for O. vulgare subsp. viridulum)
Common Names: wild marjoram, oregano
Form: woody perennial with erect stems
Flowers: purple, pink or white in panicles
Bract Color: green, yellow-green or purple
Height: 4-39''
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Uses: culinary, medicinal, ornamental, craft, economic 
Scent/Flavor: culinary subspecies have spicy, pungent oregano flavor with clove and pine notes; other subspecies musty

Subspecies:

• O. vulgare subsp. vulgare (wild marjoram): purple bracts, pink flowers; ornamental; some Turkish plants have "musty, carnation-like" scent (102)
• O. vulgare subsp. glandulosum (Algerian oregano): green bracts, white flowers; culinary
• O. vulgare subsp. gracile (Russian oregano): green or purplish bracts, white or pink flowers; Z7; culinary
• O. vulgare subsp. hirtum (Greek/Turkish oregano, winter marjoram): green bracts, white flowers; Z5; culinary – hot, spicy and pungent, standard culinary oregano
• O. vulgare subsp. virens (wild marjoram): yellowish-green bracts, white flowers; ornamental; "musty lavender-basil" scent (102)
• O. vulgare subsp. viridulum syn. O. vulgare subsp. viride (wild marjoram): green bracts, white flowers; ornamental; plants from Iran have lavender-pine scent

Next topic: Cultivar Examples

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