Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens)

Family: Verbenaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Lippia graveolens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in tomato pastes and other dishes that require a strong oregano flavour. — The leaves have an intense aroma of oregano and are commonly used, especially in central America, as a flavouring in tomato pastes and other dishes that require a strong oregano flavour.; The leaves are often used by the food industry instead of the true oregano.; Many people find them preferable to the European oregano.; They are more pungent than European oregano.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry areas. Rocky slopes or damp thickets on plains at elevations of 350 metres or less. (Zone 9)