Skip to main content

Oregano is a compact slow-spreading herb that is popularly used in cooking. It is very fragrant and attractive to bees and butterflies.

Latin Name

Origanum vulgare


Family

Lamiaceae


Type of Plant

Herbs Herbs
Perennials Perennials

Bloom Season

July - October

Seasons

Spring Spring
Summer Summer
Fall Fall

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 3'
Max spread Max Spread: 2'

Uses

  • Herb
  • Edible
  • Ground Cover
  • Naturalize

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Deer
  • Drought
  • Dry Soil
  • Shallow-Rocky Soil
  • Erosion

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Butterflies Butterflies

    Colors


    Native Range

    Europe, Asia


    History

    John Bartram was offering oregano for sale between 1771 and 1809.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Lower Garden

  • Lower Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

    Shop Now