Wild Marjoram
How To ID Me And What I’m Good For?
My ID Features:
Leaves & Flowers
Flowers
Leaf
Wild Marjoram
Latin Name - Origanum Vulgare.
Family - Lamiaceae.
Common Names - Oregano, Wild Marjoram, English Marjoram, Grove Marjoram , Pot Marjoram, Wintersweet.
Season - Summer.
Edible bits - Leaves & Flowers.
Habitat - Dry, infertile, alkaline soils. Look for it on chalk or limestone grassland & hedge banks.
Possible Confusion - Others edible members of the mint family [Lamiaceae]. As noted by Forage London, the mint family are incredibly safe and easily identifiable. With only one known to be toxic, Bugleweed [Ajuga Reptans].
Description - We’re certain this plant doesn't need much introduction with its infamous use in Mediterranean cooking. Drying the leaves brings out their flavour tenfold, and the flowers make for excellent infusions. It’s said that in hotter climates their aroma is even stronger than that of the UK. Origanum vulgare contains six subspecies and many cultivars. All of which are edible.
Physical Characteristics - Wild Marjoram is a bushy, woody-based perennial with square stems, indicitive of the mint family. Clothed with small, aromatic, rounded to ovate leaves. Each leaf is covered with many glands, which, when broken, exude the familiar fragrance of this herb.
During summer up until autumn, loose panicles of tiny, two-lipped, pinkish-purple or white flowers are produced above the foliage.
W. Marjoram grows up to 30-90 cm tall and 30-60 cm wide. Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Has good heat and drought tolerance and is intolerant of high humidity.
Interestingly, this plant is also deer and rabbit resistant.
Caution should be taken if picking from fields themselves, due to chemicals sprayed by farmers.
Medicinal Qualities - As with all mints they are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antibacterial, amongst many other healing properties. Vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals iron and calcium are also present.
Harvesting Sustainability - It's very important to cut with scissors above ground level. Ensuring further growth and no damage to the environment. There are many moths, butterflies & other insects who feed on wild marjoram.
Never munch on a hunch! Volf takes no responsibility for anything consumed.