The Types of Oregano Vulgare

Origanum Vulgare Hirtum

• Also known as winter sweet marjoram or Greek oregano, this variety has a strong flavor that makes it a good choice for cooking purposes. The plant reaches heights of 6 to 8 inches and has dark green leaves that are highly pungent. It may be used year-round for culinary purposes, either fresh or dried. Origanum vulgare hirtum grows well in full sun and requires a low level of maintenance. Diseases and pests may affect this type of oregano occasionally. These include fungal diseases, spider mites and aphids.

Origanum Vulgare Aureum

• This type of oregano has golden oval leaves that are mildly pungent. The plant forms foliage with a height of 6 to 12 inches. In summer, small pinkish-purple flowers appear in axillary or terminal spikes. The plant thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. The bloom period is from July to September. Origanum vulgare Aureum requires little maintenance, and there are no serious diseases that affect it.

Origanum Vulgare Gracile

• Commonly known as Russian oregano, this variety grows in Eastern Anatolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. The foliage of the plant is glossier than in other varieties and features a reddish cast to the stems. Russian oregano grows low, often spreading out into a ground cover. The flowers are white or pink, and the leaves are used fresh or dried for culinary purposes.

Origanum Vulgare Virens

• This subspecies of Origanum vulgare is native to the Western Mediterranean area and is cultivated in the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, Balearic Islands, Northern Africa and Argentina. The plant has white flowers, yellowish-green bracts and a lavender-basil scent.