Is Mexican Oregano Invasive?

Roots: Non-invasive. Wildlife: Attracts pollinating insects. Its flavor usually discourages browsing mammals.

Is Mexican oregano a perennial?

Mexican bush oregano (Poliomintha longiflora) is a flowering perennial native to Mexico that grows very well in Texas and other hot, dry parts of the United States.

How tall does Mexican oregano get?

five feet tall
Little known in North America, this “oregano” is a great acquisition for plant collectors and herb gardeners alike. Though not a true oregano, Mexican oregano is native to Mexico, as well as Guatemala and parts of South America. A somewhat ungainly shrub, it grows up to five feet tall and wide.

What is special about Mexican oregano?

Mexican oregano comes from a flowering plant that is native to Mexico, Central America and the southwest United States. It is drought tolerant so thrives in these dry climates. It is known for its earthy flavor with citrus undertones. The plant is in the same family as lemon verbena, so you’ll notice some similarities.

Will oregano plants spread?

Oregano spreads easily; in late spring, cut it back to one-third of its size in order to make the plant bushier. In milder climates (zone 8 and southward), oregano is evergreen. In zone 7 and northward, protect plants with mulch through the winter, or cover them with a cold frame.

How fast does Mexican oregano grow?

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Plant Type:	Woody shrub	Tolerance:
Time to Maturity:	7 months from seed	Soil Drainage:
Spacing:	12 inches	Attracts:
Planting Depth:	1/4 inch for seeds; depth of container for transplants	Companion Planting:
Height:	5 feet	Family:

What’s the difference between Italian and Mexican oregano?

The Mexican variety is pungent and citrusy with a subtle anise undertone; Italian Oregano has a slightly sweeter, more subtle flavor and it’s likely to be the spice that you’re currently using in cooking.

What does Mexican oregano smell like?

You’ll know it’s Mexican oregano if it smells like a super-intense version of Mediterranean oregano, with bright notes of pepper and lemon. Mexican cooks rely on the strong flavor of Mexican oregano for a wide variety of traditional dishes.

Can Mexican oregano be eaten?

Mexican oregano is a delicious, leafy herb that is frequently used in Mexican cuisine. More flavorful than its European cousin, it can be grown as an annual and easily harvested and stored for year round use.

Are oregano and Mexican oregano the same?

Mexican Oregano is from a different plant, indigenous to Mexico, and maintains a more woodsy, earthy flavor than Mediterranean Oregano. Mediterranean Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is part of the mint family. Mexican Oregano, Lippia graveolens, is more closely related to the vervain family than to mint.

What’s the difference between Mediterranean and Mexican oregano?

The Mediterranean oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while the Mexican type was stronger, with a hint of menthol. As with other dried herbs, oregano’s volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. Whichever kind you choose, be sure to store it in a cool, dry, dark place to preserve its flavor.

What is another name for Mexican oregano?

Mexican Oregano, Oregano Cimarr n, Hierba Dulce. There are many common names for this tenacious little shrub, including Mexican oregano, oregano cimarrón, hierba dulce, and redbrush lippia to name a few.

Does oregano spread underground?

Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.

How far does oregano spread?

about 18 inches
If you’re growing in containers, use a quality potting mix. Plant 8 to 10 inches apart. The plants will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and spread about 18 inches.

What can you not plant with oregano?

What Not To Plant With Oregano. Basil, Chives, Cilantro, and Mint all prefer soil moisture levels that are higher than what oregano plants need. If you do plant these near each other it is best to do so by planting them in separate containers.

Is Mexican oregano the same as cilantro?

Cilantro. Just like the Mexican oregano, this familiar herb is popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor.

How do you use Mexican oregano?

Mexican oregano is used to liven many recipes — meat dishes, salsas, pickling recipes (like onions or jalapeños), enchilada sauces, or even tea. It is sold in different grinds from whole leaves to completely ground. Which one you choose will depend on your needs and preferences, but one isn’t better than the other.

What is the best oregano to grow?

Its best known variety is Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum). Sometimes known as true oregano or Italian oregano, this is the familiar herb used on pizzas and in tomato sauces. Outdoors, it does best in zones 5 to 10 and should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

What is the best oregano?

Some Best Oregano For Cooking

• Greek Oregano.
• Watkins Gourmet Spice, Organic Oregano.
• Frontier Co-op Oregano Leaf.
• Simply Organic Oregano Leaf.
• McCormick Mediterranean Style Oregano Leaves.
• Happy Belly Mediterranean Oregano.
• The Spice Way Oregano Leaves.

Is epazote the same as Mexican oregano?

Mexican oregano is not the same as Epazote. The two herbs come from different plants and they have different flavor profiles. The leaves of Epazote have a scent that is like turpentine or creosote. The flavor of Epazote is citrus, savory, and minty.

What’s the difference between Greek and Mexican oregano?

Greek Oregano. Mexican oregano is commonly mistaken for its cousin Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare). Although, they’re more like step cousins, because the two don’t even share a taxonomic family. Greek oregano is part of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and Mexican oregano is part of the verbena or Verbenaceae family.