Pronounced (approximate): oh-rih-GAY-num vul-GAR-ay
A branching mint-family perennial with oval leaves and clusters of tiny pink to pale lavender flowers. Broad, overlapping flower bracts help distinguish it from Wild Basil.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare): close view of pale flowers and broad overlapping bracts. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Lamiaceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial
Blooms Summer
Height Usually 1–3 feet
Habitat Sunny grasslands, roadsides, disturbed ground, and gardens
Common names
Oregano · Wild Marjoram · English Marjoram
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Look for flowering stems in sunny open ground and around old plantings during summer.
Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) has bristlier flower clusters in tight whorls at the leaf axils. Oregano has broad overlapping bracts and branched flowering clusters. Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a different species.
Tiny pink, lavender, or white flowers open among overlapping bracts. The flowers have two lips and conspicuous projecting stamens.
Oval leaves grow in opposite pairs on branching, four-sided stems. Leaves may be nearly smooth-edged or lightly toothed; hairiness varies.
Plants grow as spreading perennial clumps. Garden plants and naturalized populations can differ in flower color and habit.
5 photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it and browse the slideshow.
Non-native in North America. Native from Macaronesia across Europe and Asia; introduced in North America.
Reported U.S. introduced distribution
AL, AR, CA, CT, DE, IL, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, VA, VT, WA.
State distribution follows Kew and does not imply presence in every county. Garden plantings may occur beyond this list. Observation maps can include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Oregano in the flower quiz, or compare other plants in the guide.
Photographs: Where’s Wildlife.