Plants That Look Like Oregano: How to Tell the Difference

With its distinctive savory, woodsy flavor, oregano is a beloved herb in many cuisines. However, several other plants resemble oregano in appearance, which can cause confusion in the garden and kitchen. Let’s explore some common plants that look like oregano and tips for telling them apart.

Why Plants Can Resemble Oregano

Oregano is in the mint family, Lamiaceae, which contains many aromatic herbs with square stems and opposite, often fuzzy leaves. This shared family lineage leads to similarities

In particular, oregano’s relatives marjoram, thyme, hyssop, and lavender can appear quite oregano-like at first glance. Even some non-mints like lemon balm have a comparable appearance.

Flavors overlap too. Oregano and marjoram contain many of the same essential oils. Thyme shares hints of minty, pine notes, while lavender boasts a similar woodsy quality.

Plants Frequently Confused With Oregano

Below are some of the most common oregano look-alikes and tips for telling them apart

Marjoram

• More delicate, sweet flavor compared to oregano’s pungency
• Oval, gray-green leaves versus oregano’s rounded, green leaves
• Grows in clumps rather than as a spreading plant

Greek Oregano

• True variety of oregano, with an intense flavor
• Smaller, darker green leaves than other oreganos
• Used frequently in Greek and Italian cooking

Mexican Oregano

• Actually a different plant called lippa graveolens, not an oregano
• More citrusy, lime-like aroma
• Grows as a bushy shrub rather than a low carpet

Cuban Oregano

• Also called Spanish thyme, not an actual oregano
• Leaves are thick, stiff, and have strong oregano scent
• Used in Caribbean cuisine

Thyme

• Tiny rounded leaves compared to oregano’s larger leaves
• Forms a very low, spreading mound
• Lemon and clove notes distinguish it from oregano

Hyssop

• An ornamental herb rarely used for cooking
• The square stems resemble oregano but leaves are smooth, not fuzzy

Lavender Cotton

• Woolly, silver-gray foliage
• Powerfully fragrant lavender flowers in summer
• Not culinary, mostly grown as an ornamental

Lavender

• Purple flowers and narrow leaves make it easy to distinguish
• The scent also leans more heavily floral

Tips for Proper Identification

When uncertain if an herb is oregano or not use these tips

• Crush a leaf and smell. Oregano’s scent is woodsy and camphorous.

• Examine the stems. Oregano has square, fuzzy green stems.

• Look at leaf shape and fuzziness. Oregano leaves are oval and downy.

• Consider the growing habits – oregano forms a low carpet.

• Taste a tiny bit. Oregano’s flavor is robust and lemony.

With close attention to aroma, structure, and flavor, you can be sure you’ve correctly identified oregano for culinary use. And if it’s not oregano but another look-alike herb, you may discover a wonderful new garden companion to enjoy.

Common Uses for Oregano and Its Herb Cousins

Once you’ve confirmed the identity of an oregano-like herb, explore using it:

Popular Uses for Oregano:

• Tomatoes, pizza, pasta, meat dishes
• Oregano oil as an antiseptic
• Dried in bouquets and wreaths

Marjoram Uses:

• Soups, stews, salad dressings
• Sausages, lamb, chicken
• Teas, marjoram oil for perfumes

Thyme Uses:

• Soups, stews, roasted meats and veggies
• Herbes de provence spice blend
• Lemon thyme in desserts and drinks

Lavender Uses:

• Sweets like cookies plus lemonade and tea
• Florals arrangements and potpourri
• Lavender essential oil for calming and cleaning

Even if it’s not true oregano, herb look-alikes can add amazing flavors and scents to your recipes and home when properly identified. Avoid disappointments like accidentally using pungent hyssop instead of sweet marjoram by learning to discern their unique differences. With a little practice, you’ll have all the oregano’s herb cousins sorted out.