TL
Family
Verbenaceae
Botanical Name
Lippia graveolens
Plant Common Name
Mexican Oregano
General Description
There are many plants with oregano flavor. Most, like common oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Greek oregano (Origanum heracleoticum), are in the mint family (Lamiaceae), but Mexican oregano is different. Even though it tastes like lemony oregano, this favorite Native American and Mexican herb is in the verbena family (Verbinaceae).
Native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, Lippia graveolens is an evergreen, woody shrub. Its thin, arching branches are irregular and open giving it a sprawling look and thin. All year it produces small, fragrant, oval leaves with toothed edges that are dark green and rough to the touch. The flowers are small, star-shaped and clustered together at the branch tips. They are white or yellow and usually appear from spring through fall. Small, dry, round fruits follow the blooms.
Mexican oregano is very easy to grow in somewhat arid, frost free climates. It isn’t picky about soil as long as it has sharp drainage. Full sun is best though partial shade is tolerated; it will even grow indoors in sunny spots. This is a drought tolerant species once established but grows best with average water. Its only weakness is intolerance to high humidity. Grow Mexican oregano under the same conditions you would rosemary. This is a choice herb for dry gardens and mixed borders—especially those in the American southwest.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 12
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Herb
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Yellow
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Yellow, Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
