description
Origanum majorana is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is an aromatic
bushy sub-shrub that typically grows in an upright
mound to 1-2 feet tall. Marjoram has branching, square
stems that are reddish in color and densely clad with ovate, pubescent,
gray-green leaves approximately 1 ¼ inches in length. These leaves are highly aromatic.
Marjoram blooms from mid-to-late summer and is not particularly showy. It has tiny, two-lipped, tubular, white or pale
pink flowers with gray-green bracts in spike-like clusters.
Marjoram is widely cultivated as an annual culinary herb;
its leaves are milder and provide a more delicate flavor than those of perennial
oregano (Origanum vulgare). Marjoram is often considered lighter and sweeter.
common names & nomenclature
The name marjoram—in Old French majorane, and Medieval Latin majorana— actually does not directly derive from the Latin word maior (major).
Also known as:
knotted marjoram, marjorana hortensis, sweet marjoram, marjoram, majorana majorana